LOCAL

Topeka Police Department uses unique tool to raise awareness about driving under the influence

Cruiser Cab is half patrol car, half taxi cab

Katie Moore
The Cruiser Cab, an initiative by the Topeka Police Department, makes a stop on S.W. Wanamaker to spread awareness about driving under the influence.

There is a new type of hybrid car hitting the streets around Topeka — it is called the Cruiser Cab and it is spreading awareness about driving under the influence.

The front half of the vehicle looks like a police patrol car while the back half looks like a taxi.

The car is a visual representation of the choice between calling a taxi or driving under the influence and the costs associated with each decision. To take a cab costs about $15. A DUI can cost more than $2,500, not to mention other potential consequences such as jail time, drug and alcohol treatment, loss of a commercial driver’s license and 100 hours of community service.

The initiative, called “Clean Driving Clear Choices,” was unveiled Nov. 17 by the Topeka Police Department. Since then, officers have been taking the car out so the public can see the message.

Officer Jen Gogian has driven the car to high-traffic spots around Topeka and, in particular, restaurants and bars that serve alcohol.

Wintertime is bar season, Gogian said, since people want to socialize indoors. Holidays also mean more celebrating.

The Cruiser Cab is more effective than a poster, Gogian said.

“It really gets people’s attention,” Gogian said. People are forced to see the car and it piques their curiosity, she said, leading them to ask questions and learn more about the repercussions of a DUI.

So far, everyone Gogian has talked to has had positive feedback.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Krysti Lusk said after seeing the car and talking to Gogian outside Buffalo Wild Wings on S.W. Wanamaker.

Driving under the influence can involve substances other than alcohol, Gogian pointed out. Illegal and prescription drugs, distracted driving and fatigue are also part of the awareness campaign.

One of the common misconceptions Gogian has run into is that people think it is an actual taxi that can be called as part of a new service. It isn’t — the intended purpose is to educate.

Though the car requires an officer to be off the streets, Gogian said she thinks it is worth it as it could potentially save someone’s life. Additionally, DUIs take up a lot of time for officers — two to three hours for each one if the person is cooperative. Preventing DUIs will help save taxpayer money, Gogian said.

The Cruiser Cab will also make appearances at DUI checkpoints to serve as a reminder for people on their way out to make smart decisions.

In 2013 there were 2,390 reported cases of drunken driving in Kansas that resulted in 984 injuries and 94 deaths, Gogian said.