With the Fourth of July right around the corner, many people will be celebrating and more people are expected to be on the roads. Agencies across Acadiana will have an increased presence this holiday weekend and week. Drinking and driving changed Korey Dupre's life forever. He was 17-years-old when he received a DUI.
Dupre was pulled over for speeding on his way home after having a few drinks. "Fingerprinted me and put me in a holding cell until I bonded out," he said.
Dupre says the consequences of his actions weigh heavily on him and he realizes that night could have been much worse. "Family, the fact that I did something wrong, and the fact that I could have killed somebody or I could have got killed," said Dupre.
Louisiana State Trooper Steven Hammons says state police will step up patrols with other agencies to make sure the roads are safe and to try and change holiday statistics. "This year our goal is to not come across any impaired drivers. We want everyone to make that responsible decision when they get behind the wheel of a car to make sure they make that responsible decision." It's a decision that could save lives. "If they're going to think about doing it, don't do it. Call somebody to get you or find a ride, call a taxi. It's not worth it." Besides drinking and driving, Hammons said look 10-15 seconds down the road and don't text and drive. On July 3, state police will hold a checkpoint within the Troop I area at an undisclosed location.
