(Toledo News Now) - AAA works year-round to educate motorists about driving practices that will help keep them safe and reduce traffic-related crashes. To help members and non-members celebrate safely this holiday, AAA Northwest Ohio is offering a Tipsy Tow service from 6 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Thursday.
While AAA encourages party goers to designate a driver if they plan to consume alcohol, the Tipsy Tow service is available to assist those who find themselves in an impaired situation and need to get home safely.
To take advantage of Tipsy Tow, drivers should:
• Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) between 6 p.m. Dec. 24 through 6 a.m. Dec. 26
• State they need a "Tipsy Tow"
• Provide their name, home address, phone number and vehicle location
"Tipsy Tow is available to help northwest Ohioans celebrate the holidays safely, while helping fulfill AAA's mission of making roads safer for everyone," said April Cochran, vice president of membership, marketing and public affairs for AAA Northwest Ohio.
Tipsy Tow provides a one-way ride for the driver and their vehicle for up to 10 miles at no cost. Services will not be provided to motorists requesting a tow to another drinking establishment or to a destination other than their home. A tow to a hotel may be allowed if the motorist is, or plans to become, a guest.
Other services that will not be provided as part of the Tipsy Tow program include:
• Requests for a vehicle start
• Flat tire change
• Gas delivery
• Taxi service
For trips longer than 10 miles, motorists can expect to be charged the towing company's standard rate. If members are requiring these services separate from the Tipsy Tow program, we will provide the service as usual.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one alcohol-impaired death occurs every 45 minutes across the country, with alcohol impaired drivers contributing to one out of every three traffic deaths.
