By Sandy Roach Copyright 2011 . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Pooler Police Department has a new tool in its fight against drunk driving.

On Tuesday, the department unveiled a half taxi/half police car that educates people about the costs of drunk driving.

The police car is a surplus vehicle, set to be retired due to advanced age & mileage. Rather than scrap it, Police Chief Mark Revenew got funding from Yellow Cab Company and West Chatham Warning Devices to transform the vehicle.

“Our goal is to not only enforce DUI laws, but I feel an obligation to educate the public and warn them about the consequences of drinking and driving,” said Revenew.

Revenew said the basic fine for driving under the influence is about $1,800 plus 24-hour mandatory jail time. Add in court and legal costs (not counting how it might effect job & insurance rates), that amount could quickly climb to more than $5,000. The cost of a cab ride, the vehicle says, is about $20.
The taxi/police car will be displayed at various areas throughout the city and at public events like National Night Out in August.