AAA offering free Tipsy Tow service July 4 weekend

Alternative to DWI arrests, wrecks

SAN ANTONIO – Rather than risk being arrested for DWI or being involved in a wreck over the Fourth of July weekend, AAA Texas is offering its Tipsy Tow service that will take drivers and their vehicles home free of charge up to 10 miles.

AAA Texas encourages everyone of legal drinking age planning to have alcoholic beverages while celebrating Independence Day to designate a sober driver, call for a cab or ride-sharing service, or plan an overnight stay before having their first drink. Also, as a last resort, AAA Texas will offer a free community service called Tipsy Tow, which aims to keep drunken drivers off the road. The service will be available from 6 p.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Saturday.

Drivers, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver may call 1-800-222-4357 or 1-800-AAA-HELP for a free tow home of up to 10 miles. Callers simply request a Tipsy Tow and will receive the free tow and ride home. A regular AAA Texas-contracted roadside service truck will be dispatched. For rides farther than 10 miles, drivers should expect to pay the rate charged by the tow truck contractor. The passenger and tow truck driver should agree what the excess mileage charges will be and the method of payment prior to the tow.

You do not have to be a AAA member to use the Tipsy Tow service, however it is only for a one-way, one-time ride for a driver and tow for that driver's vehicle. Please keep in mind the following situations do not qualify for a Tipsy Tow:

  • A request to tow an inoperable vehicle.
  • A request to tow to another drinking establishment, repair facility or any other location other than the driver's home or hotel where they are a registered guest.
  • A request to start a vehicle, change a flat tire or deliver gas.
  • A request for a "taxi" service or to transport anyone other than the driver of the vehicle.

"Independence Day is a time to celebrate our freedoms, but we must not forget to celebrate wisely," said Linda von Quintus, AAA vice president of government and community affairs. "Tragedies as a result of drinking and driving are entirely preventable if you plan ahead before you celebrate with family and friends. As a last resort, AAA Texas will offer Tipsy Tow so intoxicated drivers don't kill or injure themselves or others."

In addition, AAA Texas offers the following reminders to keep yourself and others safe and prevent drunk driving arrests this Fourth of July.

  • At social events, designate non-drinking drivers who can get everyone home safely.
  • Do not serve alcohol to anyone under age 21.
  • Call a friend or family member for a ride home if you've been drinking.
  • Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has been drinking alcohol, even after just one drink.
  • Keep a cab company telephone number in your wallet so you can call for a ride home.
  • Have a backup plan to spend the night at the party instead of driving home under the influence.
  • Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.
  • If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself).
  • Remember: prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs also can impair your ability to drive safely.

About the Author:

Mario Orellana is the news director at KSAT.