STATEWIDE —  In an effort to curb/end drunk driving on New Year’s Eve, AAA Texas is once again offering its Tipsy Tow free ride home on New Year's Eve through early New Year's Day.

The service will be available statewide from 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017 through 6 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018.

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 more than 10 miles, drivers should expect to pay the rate charged by the tow truck contractor. The passenger and tow truck driver should agree in advance 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.  

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.

In addition, AAA Texas offers the following reminders:

  • 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.
  • Save a cab company’s phone number in your mobile device or wallet so you can easily call for a ride home.
  • As a party host and good friend or loving family member, offer a variety of non-alcoholic drink alternatives, serve food as well as dessert and coffee, and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers.
  • Have a back-up 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 can also impair your ability to drive safely.

For more information, visit AAA.com/mobile.