By JON BAKER

LINCOLN — Police Chief Brian Sullivan and Cumberland Police Chief John Desmarais joined police statewide in sending a crystal-clear message for those who plan on imbibing this weekend: If you choose to drive, you’ll be in a heap of trouble.
Beginning tonight at 5 p.m., and continuing through Labor Day weekend, both Lincoln and Cumberland police, among other local departments, will initiate “Operation Blue RIPTIDE,” a statewide driving-under-the-influence enforcement effort, funded by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s Office of Highway Safety and supported by the state Attorney General’s Office, police officials from those communities announced on Wednesday.

On Friday and Saturday evenings this weekend and next, two extra officers in both towns will patrol with the sole reason of stopping drunken drivers. Woonsocket Police also announced their participation in the initiative on Wednesday.
 “The concept of this program is at least four years old, and it’s worked well,” Sullivan noted Thursday afternoon. “The purpose is to remind people that the state blood-alcohol level is .08, not .10. We know it’s summertime, and it’s a fun-loving time where people consume alcohol. That’s not a problem. We want residents to enjoy themselves. The thing is, if you’re going to do that, don’t drive. It’s that simple.
“We’re going to be out there searching for such violators — in force,” he added. “We want to keep the roads truly safe for everyone. We’ll be working in conjunction with Cumberland police, obviously, because we’re neighboring towns and we share some of the same roads.
“Without question, this is an issue all year long, and it’s something we address 365 days a year, but ‘Operation Blue Riptide’ takes place during these weekends because it’s the unofficial close of summer, when more parties take place. I don’t have exact numbers, but I know we’ve made more arrests on these particular weekends than others, and it’s because we have a greater patrol presence on the roads.”
Sullivan also stated four additional patrolmen in Lincoln will be on duty both weekends, with specific assignments to track down and place in custody those driving under the influence.
“All too often, innocent victims suffer tragic consequences, including the loss of loved ones, as result of the recklessness of drunk drivers,” said Desmarais. “We are committed to end this needless carnage on our highways, and are committed to intensifying enforcement during this crackdown period.”
“We will all be working together during this time to keep our roadways safe,” said Sullivan. “These tragedies can be easily avoided by merely designating a driver or calling a cab for an impaired friend.  Don’t be afraid to take the keys away from your impaired friends. The life you save may be your own.”
“Drunk-driving deaths are always preventable and Operation Blue RIPTIDE will help us hold drunk drivers more accountable,” said Desmarais.
“Year after year, in community after community, we have seen far too much carnage and heartache. I’m confident that our efforts this year will help save lives said Sullivan.”
In the last five years, 425 people have been killed on the roads and highways of Rhode Island, and more than half of these fatalities were alcohol related, according to police.
“We’re hoping, because of this program, that people who have been drinking and think it’s OK to drive will have second thoughts when they get behind the wheel,” Sullivan said. “We’re only asking those people to let someone else who hasn’t been drinking to take them home. If those people who drink too much make the wrong decision, they could end up in jail.”
The attorney general, meanwhile, warned that drunken drivers will be prosecuted. “In the last five years, 425 people have been killed on the roads and highways of Rhode Island, and more than half of these fatalities were alcohol related. Drunk driving kills more people than any other crime in Rhode Island — by far,” said Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch. “My office stands ready to prosecute the cases that result from this year’s crackdown to the fullest extent of the law. I greatly appreciate the level of coordination between RIDOT, our local police departments, and the Rhode Island State Police to make Operation Blue RIPTIDE a reality.”