AAA Arizona offers 'Tipsy Tow' for holiday weekend

You don't have to worry about a designated driver this Memorial Day weekend.
 
This holiday weekend, AAA Arizona is announcing the launch of its "Tipsy Tow" program, designed to get would-be drivers under the influence home safely.
 
Beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday and ending at midnight on Monday, drivers who have had too much to drink can call AAA's 800 number, 1-800-AAA-HELP, and tell the operator "I need a Tipsy Tow" to have themselves and their car towed home for free.
 
Linda Gorman, public affairs director for AAA Arizona, said that "part of AAA's mission is ensuring the safety, security and peace of mind for members."
 
Motorists do not have to be members in order to request the service. It is open to drivers, passengers, bartenders, or anybody who feels they are incapable of driving themselves home.
  
"I would much rather see someone have their car towed home before an accident than see them taken to a hospital or jail and then have their car towed," said Capt. Eben Bratcher of the Yuma County sheriff's office.
 
Tipsy Tow's service provides a one-way ride for the driver, one passenger and their vehicle. The requested destination cannot be to another drinking establishment, repair facility, or other locations besides home. In some cases requests to be towed to a hotel will be allowed - as long as the motorist is or plans to become a guest there.
 
Services not provided by Tipsy Tow include requests for a vehicle start, flat tire change, gas delivery, "taxi" service and requests to transport more than two people with the vehicle. If the towing distance requested is more than 10 miles, drivers will be charged the towing company's standard rates.
 
"This Memorial Day we saw a way we could contribute to this (AAA's) mission by discouraging those who do drink from getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Instead, they can call AAA and we'll make sure they get home safely," Gorman said.
 
For those not planning to use the service, it is important to know Yuma police will have additional officers on the streets over the holiday weekend to stop drivers under the influence. If convicted of a drunken driving offense, even for the first time, AAA estimates that the cost can be as high as $10,000 for fines, penalties, restitution, ignition interlock installation and maintenance, legal fees and increased insurance costs.
 
AAA Arizona plans to offer the Tipsy Tow service this Memorial Day weekend as well as over Independence Day and Labor Day this summer.