Rhode Island sees marked decrease in crash fatalities

Motor vehicle fatalities dropped 20 percent in Rhode Island last year, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin said Wednesday.

There were 52 deaths on Rhode Island roads in 2014, compared to 65 in 2013. Motor vehicle fatalities have declined steadily after peaking at 104 deaths in 2003.

The latest statistics come in conjunction with the state’s “It Can Wait, Make a Pledge Against Texting and Driving campaign” in the high schools. The campaign was launched in 2012 to educate students on the dangers of distracted driving. Since its launch, more than 18,000 high school students have taken the pledge not to text and drive.

"The reductions in fatalities are a direct result of the cumulative efforts by all through increased targeted enforcement, frequent public messaging on DUI arrests, school education programs and coordinated enforcement efforts," Rhode Island State Police Superintendent and Director of the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety Steven O'Donnell said. "We still have a long way to go in an effort to continue our efforts in saving lives."