NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island DUI Task Force is out in full force looking for impaired drivers this Fourth of July.

The Rhode Island DUI Task Force's sole purpose is to arrest impaired drivers, according to North Kingstown Lt. Don Barrington, and is typically deployed ahead of holidays and long weekends.

Barrington described the DUI Task Force as having a "beehive effect," meaning officers throughout the state's 39 cities and towns, as well as the Rhode Island State Police, are out patrolling with the same purpose.

"We're just out there trying to keep people safe," Barrington said.

Officers will typically pull cars over for driving too fast, too slow, swerving or driving in a reckless manner, according to Barrington. He said the officers then conduct a series of field sobriety tests to determine whether the driver is impaired before taking them into custody.

Barrington noted that every single crash involving an impaired driver is "completely senseless and preventable."

"It's normally good people making poor decisions," Barrington said. "I don't think there's a way to stop it, since I don't think anyone purposefully goes out, drinks, then says 'I'm going to go get into a car and kill someone or kill myself.' I just don't see that happening."

"But unfortunately, people continue to do it," he continued. "So we will continue to be out there trying to stop it."

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association is reminding drivers to be socially responsible by taking the following into consideration:

• If you plan to drink, make a plan ahead of time for a sober ride home.
• Even if you’ve had only one drink, let someone who hasn’t been drinking take you home. A sober driver is one who does not drink at all, not the one who’s had the least to drink.
• If you’re hosting a Fourth of July gathering, help the designated drivers out by making sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.
• Always wear your seat belt — and wear it correctly. It should go over your shoulder and across your lap.
• Drive the speed limit. It’s unsafe to drive too fast or too slow.
• Never eat, drink or use a cell phone while driving.