Free Tows Available for Holiday Tipplers

Drivers who have had a few drinks have a safe way home this holiday season, thanks to the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Tipsy Tow program.

On Saturday, from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., motorists, bartenders, restaurant owners and party hosts in Southern California can call (800) 400-4AAA for a tow home--up to seven miles--free of charge.

Just say, “I Need a Tipsy Tow,” and the Auto Club will provide a safe ride home for the driver and passengers, and a tow for the car. The service is part of the club’s public awareness campaign, “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.”

Guy Wysinger, spokesman for the Auto Club’s Ventura office, said 208,000 Californians are convicted of driving under the influence every year and quite often people get into trouble because they think they know their limit of alcohol.

“It only takes a drink or two to slow physical and mental skills and affect vision, steering, braking judgment and reaction time,” Wysinger said.

To avoid DUI arrests, the Auto Club recommends the following:

* At social events, designate a nondrinking driver.

* Call a friend or family member if you’ve been drinking.

* Drink at home or at a friend’s house where you don’t have to drive.

* Take the car keys from a friend who has been drinking.