The nation's smallest state was rated "poor" based on a ranking that judged states based on their adoption of certain model laws, including penalties for refusing to take a blood-alcohol test and allowing roadside sobriety checks. Rhode Island was faulted for failing to pass either of those laws, which the Institute contends have been proven to reduce drunk driving.

The president of the state chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving called Rhode Island's DWI laws "an embarrassment," and blamed the state legislature for failing to take stronger action. Bernard Frezza, legislative liaison for the state Department of Transportation, said, "There's definitely room for improvement. We've tried to move in the same direction" as the insurance institute recommends.

Rhode Island had the nation's highest proportion of alcohol-related fatalities in 2003, as well as in 2002 and 2001.

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