‘Tipsy Tow’ Program Helps Keep Drinking Drivers Off The Road
EMERYVILLE, Calif. – Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest one-day sports event in the nation and it goes hand-in-hand with celebrations that include alcohol. Revelers who consume too much alcohol during Super Bowl Sunday, and feel unsafe behind the wheel, AAA will take you and your car home for free.
The AAA Tipsy Tow program keeps drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel and is open to everyone. You do not need to be a AAA Member to take advantage of this service to the community.
AAA will offer free tows to drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5, to 6 a.m. February 6 in Northern California. Drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow home of up to 10 miles. Just tell the AAA operator, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” and a truck will be on its way.
The service will provide a one-way ride for drivers and their vehicle to the driver’s home. If there are additional passengers who need a ride, they will be taken to the driver’s home as long as long as they can be transported safely in the tow truck. Tipsy Tow does not take reservations.
“Everybody wants to have fun at a Super Bowl party,” said Cynthia Harris, spokesperson for AAA Northern California. “But be aware that as little as one drink can impair vision, steering, braking, judgment, and reaction time. If you’ve been drinking, don’t get behind the wheel. Give AAA a call and we’ll make sure you get home safely.”
According to the California Highway crash data, during last year’s Super Bowl, one person was killed in an alcohol-involved collision and 52 others were injured on California’s roadways. That same day, there were 360 arrests made by the CHP for driving under the influence (DUI).
AAA estimates that a first-time misdemeanor DUI conviction in California can cost approximately $15,649 or more in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and increased insurance costs. DUI-related costs have risen sharply in recent years largely due to steep increases in fines and insurance for DUI drivers. The estimated cost of a first-offense misdemeanor DUI for those under age 21 is $21,500.
There is no price tag on a crash that causes an injury or death.
AAA Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to more than 4.6 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 117 years ago.
