AAA Tipsy Tow helps drivers Sunday

AAA doesn’t want football fans to fumble when it comes to drinking and driving this Sunday.

The auto club is offering a free tow home for drivers who have been drinking at Super Bowl festivities. Tipsy Tow service will start 6 p.m. Feb. 7 and will run through 6 a.m. Feb. 8.

During this period, drivers, passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) to request a free tow home of up to 10 miles. Callers can simply state “I need a Tipsy Tow” to receive the free tow and ride home. The program is open to everyone. You do not need to be a AAA member to take advantage of this service.

“As Super Bowl festivities take place this weekend, we urge partygoers to refrain from getting behind the wheel or in the vehicle with a driver who has been drinking,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs director for AAA Arizona. “Rather, we want party hosts and goers alike to know that they can rely on AAA to get them home safely.”

Tipsy Tow will provide a one-way ride for the driver, one passenger and their vehicle. Services will not be provided to motorists requesting a tow to another drinking establishment, repair facility or any location other than their home. However, in some cases, 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 include: requests for a vehicle start, flat tire change, gas delivery, “taxi” service and requests to transport more than two people with the vehicle. In addition, motorists can expect to be charged the towing company’s standard rate for trips longer than 10 miles.

A first of its kind and the only free program of its kind in the state, AAA Arizona launched the Tipsy Tow program in mid-2009.

The auto club AAA estimates that a first-time DUI conviction can cost a motorist more than $10,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, ignition interlock installation and maintenance, legal fees and increased insurance costs.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.