FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

12-28-10 345PM

New Year’s Eve revelers have no excuse for drinking and driving. If you’ve been drinking, AAA Northern California will take you and your car home for free.

AAA will offer its Tipsy Tow service to drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day in Northern California, Nevada and Utah. 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. You do not need to be an AAA member.

The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and 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 there is sufficient room for them to be transported safely in the tow truck. You cannot make a reservation.

“We want everyone to ring in the New Year by having fun and enjoying the evening with friends and family,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Matt Skryja. “But we want everyone to do it safely and responsibly. Simply call for our Tipsy Tow service and help AAA keep the roads safe this holiday.”

According to a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study, 20 percent of all motorists in the past year have driven a motor vehicle within two hours of drinking alcohol. About 13 percent of the total population has done so in the past 30 days. It takes only one or two drinks to impair vision, steering, braking, judgment and reaction time.

AAA estimates that a first-time DUI conviction can cost up to $12,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and added insurance expenses. You can’t put a price tag on a crash that causes an injury or death.

“If you’ve been drinking, don’t get behind the wheel,” said Skryja. “Give AAA a call and we’ll make sure you get home safely.”

AAA Northern California offers an array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to nearly 4 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.

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