WALNUT CREEK — AAA wants YOU to keep your independence this Fourth of July. To discourage patriotic party goes from driving impaired, the safety advocate is offering a free tow and ride home with its Tipsy Tow service.
“Increased traffic combined with celebrations that commonly involve alcohol makes the Fourth of July one of the most dangerous days on the road of the year,” said Michael Blasky, spokesman for AAA Northern California. “We want drivers to think twice about getting behind the wheel if they’re impaired, while offering them a resource they can rely on if they find themselves in a precarious situation.”
AAA offers the following tips for Fourth of July road safety:
- Avoid distractions. Designate a passenger to respond to calls, texts and navigate if you have one. Otherwise, focus on driving.
- Be patient. The majority of Americans will drive to their Independence Day destinations. Avoid peak commute times such as late afternoon and early evening if possible.
- Pledge to drive drug and alcohol free. Impairment plays a major role in holiday crashes. AAA urges drivers to pledge to drive safe and sober.
In an effort to make roads safer for everyone, AAA is offering its Tipsy Tow service beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, and running through 6 a.m. Thursday, July 5. To use the service, drivers, passengers, party hosts, bartenders and/or restaurant and resort managers should all 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) during the service period and state that they need a Tipsy Tow.
Although Uncle Sam’s favorite Americans are AAA members, you don’t need to be a AAA member to request a Tipsy Tow. AAA will provide free 10 miles of towing for a driver, one passenger and their vehicle. Any additional miles are subject to a standard towing rate. AAA does not accept reservations for Tipsy Tow. The service does not include roadside assistance.
AAA estimates that a first-time DUI conviction can cost a motorist more than $10,000 in fines, penalties, legal fees and increased insurance costs.
AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago. Visit AAA.com.
