Auto Club Offers Tow for Drinking Drivers

To keep motorists safe during the Fourth of July holiday, the Automobile Club of Southern California is offering free rides for intoxicated drivers and tows for their vehicles.

The service, called Tipsy Tow, will offer a free vehicle tow home of up to seven miles.

“Drivers frequently fail to seek alternate forms of transportation because they are concerned about retrieving their vehicle,” said Larry Shaw, Van Nuys district manager for the Automobile Club of Southern California. “Tipsy Tow is intended to give motorists another safer option.”

More people have been killed or injured in alcohol-related traffic accidents over the Fourth of July than any other major holiday, according to the automobile club. Over the last five years, a statewide average of 172 people have been killed or injured in alcohol-related traffic accidents during the Fourth of July holiday, an auto club survey said.

Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver in Southern California may call (800) 400-4AAA on Saturday for a free tow.

The service excludes passengers and is for a one-way, one-time trip only. Drivers should expect a charge by the tow truck contractor if the ride is more than seven miles. The service is available only on Saturday.