Long Island officials work to stop holiday drunk driving

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Officials in Long Island are working with several local taxi companies to stop holiday drunk driving by offering residents a free ride home, and then a free ride back to their car the next day if they've had too much to drink. They say the ride back to their vehicle can help avoid the reasoning of some drivers that they won't have a way to retrieve their car if they take a cab ride home.

"During this joyous time of year, our goal is to prevent or stop any horrible tragedies. If we can avoid one accident or someone from being injured it is well worth it," said Marianne Blessinger, president of a local taxi company.

The program started in mid-December and will run through the first of the year, when incidents of drunk driving are more common.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows nearly one-third of all traffic deaths were alcohol-related, and that winter holidays are some of the deadliest driving days of the year.

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