New Rhode Island law makes crash data public record

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island crash data will become available as public records under a new law signed by Governor Dan McKee.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Kislak (2026-H 7576) and Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (2026-S 2480), took effect Friday after being approved by the General Assembly on June 11.

The law is intended to make it easier for the public, journalists and safety advocates to access and analyze collision data, particularly in areas where crashes are more frequent or severe.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation collects crash information from municipal police departments but had previously declined to release the statewide data, citing federal restrictions involving its use in litigation.

The new law declares the data public records while stating that it cannot be used in violation of federal law. Supporters noted that federal law restricts the use of crash data in certain legal proceedings but does not prohibit its public release.

Rhode Island joins dozens of states that make crash data available to the public. Massachusetts, for example, provides the information through an online portal.

The legislation was supported by the ACLU of Rhode Island, Bike Newport and the Providence Streets Coalition. The groups previously sought RIDOT data to create a statewide map showing locations where pedestrians and cyclists were injured in crashes.

The groups were able to obtain Providence crash information through the Providence Police Department, but creating a statewide map was more difficult because individual municipalities do not always have the technical resources to compile comprehensive crash data.

The new law is expected to provide a statewide source of information that can be used to identify traffic safety concerns and advocate for improvements.