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BAT Mobile Hits Denver Streets To Make Them Safer

DENVER (CBS4)- Police in Denver have a new weapon when it comes to fighting back against drunk drivers-- the BAT mobile.

BAT stands for Breath Alcohol Testing and the mobile unit hit the streets just in time for Halloween. The van provides on-the-spot alcohol and drug testing. The van is equipped with two intoxilyzers that measure breath alcohol content. There's also a specialized work station for blood draws to test for drugs.

DPD BAT MOBILE
The Intoxilyzer on board the BAT mobile (credit: CBS)

Police say the BAT mobile is also a very visual reminder for people to make safe decisions.

"We think it will be a good billboard as well, not only when we're out on a checkpoint or saturation but we've thought about putting it in the St. Patrick's Day parade, having it at the Great American Beer Festival," said Denver Police Lt. Robert Garcia.

Officers will also drive the van to DUI checkpoints.

The BAT mobile cost $300,000 and was paid for with federal grant money.

DPD BAT MOBILE  (1)
(credit: CBS)
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