The Las Cruces Police Department unveiled its newest DWI prevention and education tool: a blue and yellow unit that’s painted to resemble a police car and a taxicab.
LCPD unveiled the new ‘Choose Your Ride’ vehicle at Tuesday evening’s National Night Out event in Downtown Las Cruces.
The concept of the car – half police unit and half taxicab – is to represent the choices people have when considering to drink and drive. The front of the car is painted in the colors of an LCPD police unit and shows an average cost of being arrested on a DWI charge, which is estimated at $7,000. The back of the vehicle is painted to resemble a yellow taxicab with wording that represents an average price for taxi fare of $20.
“It is the hope that this Choose Your Ride educational tool will make people think about their choices and, when impaired by alcohol, consider calling a friend or taxicab instead of driving,” said Las Cruces Police Chief Jaime Montoya. “As people look at the vehicle, it’s a reminder to drink responsibly and choose your best mode of transportation.”
LCPD hopes to use the vehicle during ceremonial community events, school functions and during DWI grant projects that occur on a monthly basis.
LCPD, with the assistance of the City’s Fleet Department, was able to convert an old natural gas vehicle that was already in the city’s fleet into the half police, half taxicab. LCPD worked with a local vendor to design the vehicle. Magistrate Court Judge Conrad Perea assisted LCPD in confirming the estimated fines and sentencing that’s printed on the trunk of the vehicle. LCPD Traffic Unit officer Thaddeus Allen was also instrumental in collaborating with this project.
DWI seizure funds were used to pay for the project.
Information from Las Cruces Police