The Automobile Club of Southern California is offering its free Tipsy Tow service for the 10 th consecutive year to drinking drivers during the New Year’s holiday weekend. The service is available from 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29 through the end of the day on Monday, Jan. 1, 2007. Tipsy Tow is available in the 13 Southern California counties served by the Auto Club.

Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver may call 1-800-400-4AAA for a free tow home of up to seven miles. Callers simply tell the Auto Club operators, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” to receive the free tow and ride home. A regular Auto Club-contracted emergency road service truck will be dispatched.

Callers need to keep in mind that the service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver and the destination is limited to the driver’s residence. Reservations are not accepted. Drivers can expect to pay the rate charged by the tow truck contractor for rides farther than seven miles.

“We want motorists to be aware of the high crash risk from drinking and driving associated with holidays and encourage them to think twice about getting behind the wheel if they have been drinking,” Auto Club spokesperson Carol Thorp said.

New Year’s Eve is a traditional time for parties and revelry, activities that contribute a more relaxed atmosphere. With New Year’s falling on a Monday, the long holiday weekend makes for more opportunities for more drinking, according to Thorp.

Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a driver who has been drinking and celebrating the Fourth of July can call (800) 400-4AAA to receive a free tow home for up to seven miles.

The service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver and the destination is limited to the driver’s residence.

Reservations will not be accepted and driver’s can expect to pay the rate charged by the tow truck contractor for rides farther than seven miles.

The service is offered to help prevent the high crash risk associated with drinking and driving during the holidays.

Drivers should be aware of extra local law enforcement out on patrol during the holidays, Auto Club officials noted.

The Club estimates that a first-time DUI conviction can cost $15,000 or more in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees, and increased insurance costs.

The Auto Club advises that motorists can keep themselves and others safe and can avoid DUI arrests by keeping these safety tips in mind:

  • At social events, designate non-drinking drivers who can get everyone home safely.
  • Call a friend or family member for a ride home if you have been drinking.
  • Keep a cab company telephone number in your wallet so you can call for a ride home.
  • As a party host, offer a variety of non-alcoholic drink alternatives and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers.
  • Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.