JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New Year's Day has become the most deadly day of the year, and alcohol is to blame for more than half of those fatalities.
That's why police across Northeast Florida were out in full force Monday night, to stop those who drink and drive.
Jocelyn Francois is a Gator City Taxi driver, who let Action News ride along as he made his rounds on one of the busiest nights of the year.
"They keep us busy," he said of partygoers. "They like to party a lot and you never know what you're going to see, especially on New Year's Eve."
This is the 16th New Year's Eve that Francois has provided a safe ride home for those who've have a little too much to drink, and that's nearly every passenger.
This year alone drunken driving accidents cost $37 billion nationwide, and more than 10,000 people lost their lives.
"It's really stupid. I've picked up people from jail the next morning who tell me how much their DUI is going to cost them, and it costs you more money to get a DUI than to catch a cab."
In Florida more than 55,000 DUIs were issued in 2012, and while traffic fatalities are down across the state, they're up in Northeast Florida.
"If you know you're going to go party and have a lot to drink, find a designated driver," Joe warns. "It's too dangerous and there is no excuse. If you know you're not able to drive, you should never be behind the wheel."
