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Indiana State Police are increasing patrols on Saint Patrick's Day as part of Operation Pull Over Blitz 62.

The operation has increased local and state police patrols across the state.

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute along with the Governor's Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving instituted the plan on March 5. The state-wide operation is made up of more than 250 local law enforcement agencies.

According to Indiana State Police spokesman Sgt. Rod Russell, the purpose of the program is to reduce the number and severity of accidents that occur in the state in March.

"It is important for people to realize that we are out there so hopefully that discourages some people from drinking and driving," Russell said.

Operation Pull Over 62 did have some success in its first week. According to police records, 73 traffic violations have been issued as of March 10.

Four of those traffic citations were driving while intoxicated.

The Indiana Police will officially end Operation Pull Over on March 21.