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Indianapolis police, ISP plan increased patrols to crack down on drunk driving this holiday weekend

Law enforcement agencies want motorists to know they'll see more police on roadways during Thanksgiving weekend.

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Police and IMPD both say officers aren't just looking for drunk drivers during the nighttime hours. 

Patrols are also happening during the day.

If you're cruising down the highway or headed downtown, the message is clear: Drivers will see more police on the roadways.

"Not only do we have our DUI task force, but our regular patrol officers who are out every day on our beats," said IMPD Ofc. William Young. "They will be searching or looking for those impaired drivers, too."     

We reached out to IMPD to ask how many OWI arrests officers made during this holiday weekend last year. They're working on getting us that information. ISP tells 13News troopers arrested 56 people in that time span.

"The rideshare services are much cheaper and have less of an effect on your life than getting arrested for a DUI or, even worse, getting involved in a crash when you're drunk," said ISP Sgt. John Perrine.

13News looked into the cost of the ride-share option, someone taking an Uber from the heart of Massachusetts Avenue to Broad Ripple and Guilford Avenue. The app estimated that it would cost someone $15.93 around 8 p.m. Wednesday.

But no matter the cost, law enforcement says if you think you'd had one too many drinks to drive, you probably have.

"I always live by the motto, 'Buzzed driving is drunk driving' and it's so important, again, phone a friend, have a designated driver with you. Again, 20 years ago we didn't have those ride-sharing apps we have now, so utilize those," said Young.

Police are also asking people to keep an eye out for drunk drivers. They say if you see anyone driving in an unusual manner, call 911.

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