Had too much to drink tonight? The Automobile Club of Southern California will, again, offer its free Tipsy Tow service for intoxicated drivers for New Year’s Eve.
A free tow home of up to seven miles will be available by calling (800) 400-4222 and telling the operator, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” according to the Auto Club.
The service, which employs regular Auto Club-contracted roadside service companies, is available in 13 Southern California counties, including San Diego. The service is available from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. New Year’s Day.
The Automobile Club said the key to staying safe is to designate a driver and plan in advance and don’t get caught up in a situation where you or the driver is drunk. Tipsy Tow, however, is available as a last resort.
There are some limitations:
- passengers don’t get rides;
- the service is limited to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver; and
- vehicles will only be towed to the driver’s residence.
Regular tow service rates apply for any ride longer than seven miles, according to the Auto Club.
Over the Christmas holiday, nine people died on San Diego County roadways, 62 were arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, according to the California Highway Patrol. Statewide, nearly 1,000 were arrested on suspicion on DUI.
Approximately 160,000 drivers were arrested for DUI in 2013, about three times the capacity of Dodger Stadium.
— City News Service contributed to this story
