Feeling 'tipsy' on New Year's Eve? Let AAA Texas help you out ...

OK, OK ... so you've had a good time with friends and maybe, just maybe, had a couple or four more drinks than you meant to have. There's no need to get behind a car wheel and drive drunk. Why? Tipsy's here. See this informative piece of advice from AAA Texas below:

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IRVING -- If you’re a driver who has too much to drink, a party host concerned about a guest that overindulged or a restaurant or bar owner who wants to make sure a patron gets home safely on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, AAA Texas is once again this year offering members and non-members alike our Tipsy Tow program to make sure everyone who needs a ride home, gets home safely.

Beginning at 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve and continuing 30 hours through Friday night at 11:59, drivers are urged to call AAA Texas to get a free ride home and also have their car towed home as well. The number is 1-800-222-4357.

Many motorists who have had too much to drink have said one of the reasons why they don’t call a taxi is because they have to come back the next day and get the car. Tipsy Tow takes care of that. You do not have to be an AAA member to use this free service and no identification is required, however reservations are not accepted.

Callers simply tell the Auto Club operators, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” to receive the free tow and ride home. A regular AAA Texas roadside service truck will be dispatched to the location and take the driver and car home up to 10 miles from the point of pick up. After 10 miles, it is the responsibility of the motorists and it is suggested the motorist and driver agree in advance what the excess mileage charges will be and the tow truck operator will obtain a payment agreement prior to providing the tow.

“AAA Texas is pleased once again to offer Tipsy Tow to all Texas drivers New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day," said AAA regional vice president and general manager Rhonda Wilson.

"The number of alcohol-related traffic deaths and injuries nationwide and in Texas continues to drop. It’s because law enforcement, individual motorists, party hosts and others are taking responsibility to make sure drivers don’t get behind the wheel intoxicated. AAA’s Emergency Roadside Service team will be a critical part of this important effort to save lives and get motorists home safely.”

There are some situations where a Tipsy Tow does not qualify.

• The motorist requests a tow to another drinking establishment, repair facility or other location besides their place of residence. A tow to a hotel would be acceptable if the person is a guest there.
• If a member or non-member requests a Tipsy Tow and then, that vehicle is inoperable or the individual asks to start the car, change a tire, deliver gasoline or seeks “taxi” service, transporting two or more people with the vehicle, they will be charged the tow truck operator’s standard rate.

People convicted of driving under the influence could lose many of the important things in their lives, such as family, job, dignity and money. A DUI conviction can be a financial wrecking ball. The Texas Department of Transportation and other law enforcement agencies say it can cost a person between $13,000 to $24,000 in fines, legal fees, higher insurance rates, lost wages, substance abuse programs or court required alcohol treatment.

Current laws, enforcement, public awareness, and education efforts by public service-oriented organizations, including the Auto Club, have contributed to the decline in the number of alcohol-related fatalities during the past 10 years. The Auto Club provides the Tipsy Tow service and free publications as part of the “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.” public awareness campaign.

The Auto Club advises that motorists can keep themselves and others safe and can avoid DUI arrests by keeping these safety tips in mind:

At social events, designate non-drinking drivers who can get everyone home safely.

Call a friend or family member for a ride home if you have been drinking.

Keep a cab company telephone number in your wallet so you can call for a ride home.

As the party host, offer a variety of non-alcoholic drink alternatives, plenty of food and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers.

Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.

If you’re driving and see a motorist driving in an erratic manner, try to stay behind their vehicle, leaving plenty of distance to be safe, then call 9-1-1 and give the police a description of the car and if you can safely get the driver’s license, write it down and tell authorities.

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Don't be dumb on New Year's Eve. Heed this advice.

Just helping out.

-- Joe Rutland