Indiana State Police ramping up enforcement as part of the Safe Family Travel campaign.

Officers continue to be out in greater numbers conducting saturation patrols designed to discourage impaired driving and promote seat belt use.

Safe Family Travel operations begin before Thanksgiving each year and run through New Year’s Day. The extra high-visibility enforcement is funded with grants provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

Indiana State Police Sgt. Tony Slocum says they aren’t trying to dampen the season.  They’re trying to make it safer.

On average, approximately one-fourth of the state’s traffic fatalities are caused by drunk drivers.

Slocum says the feeling of having to tell someone their family member is injured, or killed, is motivation to make sure that the person responsible pays for the crime.

Those who choose to drive impaired are, not only risking their life and the lives of others, but also could face an arrest, jail time, and substantial fines and attorney fees. The average drunk driving arrest costs up to $10,000.

Motorists are encouraged to contact the department or call 911 if they encounter an impaired or unsafe driver on the road.