Under new Rhode Island law police can force blood-alcohol testing

Police in Rhode Island can force motorists who are suspected of driving drunk and are involved in serious car crashes to submit to blood-alcohol testing under a new law.

Police and state prosecutors are praising the law, which was signed by Gov. Don Carcieri.

Drivers could previously refuse to take blood-alcohol tests. But under the new law, police can seek a warrant from a judge to allow a hospital to take a driver's blood sample for testing.

The governor has scheduled a ceremonial bill signing at the Statehouse for Wednesday morning.