Police ramp up to fight back against drunk drivers in Indiana

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - If you have plans to be on the road, don't be surprised if you see more officers out and about. They're cracking down on drunk drivers .

Last year around this time, police across the Hoosier state pulled over 965 drunk drivers. Indiana State Police Spokesperson Ron Galaviz said the blitz isn't about writing tickets. It's about saving lives.

"We know that they're out there and they're on the same roads that you and I use that our friends and family use," Galaviz said.

Police officers know drunk driving is an ongoing battle.  In 2012, they've arrested the youngest drunk driver, 14, and the oldest, 87.

"They're out there. It's a very big prevalent issue and we try to battle is every day. Not just during the Labor Day holiday not just fourth of July but every day of the week. That's what our mission is safe travel on our highways."

Police encourage people who have plans to drink to not drive. Figure out another way to get home before you go out.

"It doesn't take a whole lot to ask someone to be a designated driver or to pick up the phone and call a cab or some other mode of transportation. It's just not worth the risk. All it takes is once before not only their lives are shattered but the lives of people around them."

There will also be sobriety check points on some roads. If drivers haven't been drinking, police said they can get through those check points quickly.

The blitz started Friday, August 17th and goes until Monday, September 3rd.