Warwick PD Continues Anti-Drunk Driving Efforts on St. Patrick’s Day

Warwick, R.I. — Warwick Police this week announced they are continuing two efforts aimed at reducing drunk driving on St. Patrick’s Day this Friday: A central location to test for drunk driving and a free ride-hailing service.

In an effort to support other local departments and the Rhode Island State Police, Warwick officers will be posted at 1689 Post Road starting at 7 p.m. with the Breath Alcohol Testing Mobile Unit, or B.A.T. Mobile Vehicle, a 40-foot trailer where officers can administer breath tests to suspected drunk drivers.

“By positioning this vehicle in a centralized location, officers are able to arrest suspected impaired drivers, test, process and release them to a responsible adult without having to travel to their respective police stations, thus enabling them to return to patrol more quickly,” Warwick Police said in a statement released ahead of a planned March 16 press conference.

Local officers and members of Warwick Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association are also bringing back the Safe Rides program, a free service that picks up anyone who needs a ride or has had too much to drink and brings them to locations within the city.

Bar and liquor-serving restaurant staff in Warwick are being reminded to promote the free program and help reduce the incidence of drunk driving and DUI-related accidents.

Last year, Warwick Police reported six Safe Rides and three drunk-driving arrests on St. Patrick’s Day, a Thursday.