Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

PHOENIX - AAA is offering its free tow home for drivers who have been drinking at St. Patrick's Day.

Tipsy Tow service will start 6 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 17 and will run through 6 a.m. Thursday, Mar. 18.

Drivers, passengers, party hosts, bartenders, and restaurant managers can call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) to request a free tow home of up to 10 miles.

Callers can simply state "I need a Tipsy Tow" to receive the free tow and ride home. The program is open to everyone. You do not need to be a AAA member to take advantage of this service.

"It is important to remember that as few as one or two drinks can impair your driving ability," says AAA Arizona Public Affairs Director Linda Gorman. "Rather than getting behind the wheel or in the vehicle with a driver who has been drinking, remember that you can rely on AAA to get you home safely this St. Patrick's Day."

Tipsy Tow will provide a one-way ride for the driver, one passenger, and the vehicle.

Services will not be provided to motorists requesting a tow to another drinking establishment, repair facility or any location other than their home. However, in some cases, a tow to a hotel may be allowed if the motorists is, or plans to become, a guest.

Motorists can expect to be charged the towing company's standard rate for trips longer than 10 miles.

AAA estimates that a first-time DUI conviction can cost a motorist more than $10,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, ignition interlock installation and maintenance, legal fees, and increased insurance costs.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA's Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state.