'Stupid' drunk driver nearly mows down police

Two Northern Territory police officers have narrowly escaped injury after almost being mowed down by a drunk driver.

The officers say they had parked their police van on an Alice Springs street on Friday night when a car revved its engine and sped straight for them.

The car veered away with just metres to spare.

When police stopped the car they say the driver had swapped seats with his passenger.

Both were allegedly more than three times over the legal alcohol limit.

Senior Sergeant Darryl Kerr says it was a senseless act.

"[It was] very, very stupid, very dangerous," he said.

"The police officers could have been injured, or worse."

The men sobered up in the Alice Springs watch-house.

They will be charged with a range of offences including drink-driving, driving dangerously and resisting police.