Don't drive while impaired is the message behind the Automobile Club of Southern California's free Tipsy Tow service available tonight for New Year's Eve.
AAA provides alcohol-impaired drivers with a free tow home of up to seven miles. All you need to do is call 800-400-4222 and tell the operator, "I need a Tipsy Tow."
The service, which uses regular Auto Club-contracted roadside service
companies, is available in 13 Southern California counties, including Los Angeles County.
The Tipsy Tow service is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride home for the driver; passengers are not allowed, according to the Auto Club. Reservations will not be accepted and drivers whose cars are towed more than seven miles must pay the rate charged by the tow truck contractor.
"It only takes one or two drinks to slow physical and mental skills that affect vision, steering, braking judgement and reaction time," said Auto Club senior researcher Steve Bloch.
Bloch added that the California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will run sobriety checkpoints and extra patrols to look for intoxicated drivers.
- City News Service contributed to this report.
