Why drive drunk, when you can get a free ride home?

AAA has a terrific program called AAA’s tipsy tow program offered on nine different holidays and special events. They offer a free five-mile tow home for drinking drivers and their vehicles.

The tipsy tow program is open to everyone. You do not need to be a AAA member to take advantage of this service to the community.

AAA typically offers a service to drinking drivers from 6 p.m.on the holiday to 6 a.m. the following days in Northern California, Nevada and Utah.

Drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free towl home of up to 5 miles. You tell the AAA operator, “I need at Tipsy Tow and a tow truck will be on its way.

The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the drivers home. If there are additional passengers who need a ride, they will be taken to the drivers home as long as there is sufficient room for them to be transported safely in the tow truck. You cannot make a reservation.

Some of the holidays this is available on New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Independence Day (Fourth of July), Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

AAA estimates that a first-time DUI conviction can cost up to $12,000 in fines and penalties, restitution, legal fees and added insurance expense. And then of course you can’t put a price on a crash that causes an injury or death. If you’ve been celebrating by drinking alcohol, don’t get behind the wheel. Give AAA at call and to make sure you get home safely.

Click here to learn about how to get a “tipsy tow”!