Colin's Law
Saving Lives and Protecting Communities through Improved Traffic Safety
Background
On May 16, 2010, Colin B. Foote was killed when a drug addicted, habitual traffic offender ran a red light and broadsided him as he crossed an intersection on a “green light” only ¼ mile from his home. Had available, self-funding traffic safety technology been installed, or had the State of Rhode Island Div. of Motor Vehicles employed means to track Habitual Offenders as required by state law, it is likely that Colin would be alive today. Unfortunately, this particular 4-way intersection, like far too many in our state, can become “Killing Zones” when drivers ignore the yellow-to-red signal or deliberately speed up to “beat the light”. In 2009 alone, nearly 1 in 4 Rhode Island traffic fatalities were intersection related.
Mission Statement
Our objective is very simple - our goal is to save lives and protect communities through improved traffic safety. Our singular focus is on “making our roads safer for everyone’s family and loved ones”. Our initial means to achieve this goal was by researching, monitoring and distributing information about existing and emerging technology for intersections that can reduce injury and deaths and improve driver behavior. Working with residents, the RI DOT and Charlestown, RI Town Council, red light cameras were installed at two dangerous Charlestown intersections, one at the location where Colin was killed. and another 1/4 mile away at a similar, dangerous intersection.
In addition, within three months of Colin's death in 2010, we worked intently with the state legislature to unanimously pass new safe driving legislation, "The Colin B. Foote Act , known as "Colin's Law". This new statute:
Identified, tracked and adjudicated multiple traffic offenders who
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Provide up to 60 hours of community service
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Loss of license of up to a year
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Pay court costs & fines up to $1,000
As a result, more than 1,000 violators of Colin's Law have been adjudicated and those that complete the program have evidenced less than a 7% rte of reviticism.
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We are presently working with the RI DMV and Attorney General's office to ensure that, after 20 years or more of it not being enforced, the state's Habitual Offender statute is re-implemented. In 2021 it was confirmed that the statute had again begun to be enforced.
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What We Do
monitoring and distributing information about existing and emerging technology for intersections that can reduce injury and deaths at intersections and improve driver behavior. We also engage in awareness, education and media coverage to inform the public about the benefits of Colin's Law that, according to the courts, police and defense lawyers, have unquestionably reduced the number injuries, and fatalities clearly demonstrating the ability to save countless lives every year.
We're a Non-Profit
ColinsLaw.Org was founded in 2010 by the Foote family in honor and memory of their son, Colin B. Foote. We are registered with the office of the Secretary of State of Rhode Island and have been issued 501(c)(3) approval by the Internal Revenue Service as a not-for-profit organization. ColinsLaw.Org is State-Wide Organization, we exist through tax-deductible contributions and gifts from individuals, private and public organizations. Our members and supporters include those who represent concerned citizens, the traffic safety industry, safety organizations, and individuals who are active in advocating for safer roads through the use of technology.