Don't Drink and Drive, Free Tipsy Towing Offered Through July 4th

Before heading out for a few drinks to any Cerritos-Artesia restaurant/bar with your friends this 4th of July weekend, remember to decide on a designated driver before the taps flow; you don't want to risk harming yourself or others by driving drunk. If your bunch has no sober drivers, consider the free Tipsy Towing service offered by the Automobile Club of Southern California.

Free in its 15th year., the Tipsy Tow will provide free towing throughout the 4th of July weekend to prevent drunk drivers from hitting the roads. The offer begins tonight at 6 p.m. until 11:59 p.m. Monday night.

Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts, or passengers of a drinking driver can call (800) 400-4AAA for a free tow to the driver’s residence--up to seven miles away.  Drivers will be charged the normal rate if the distance exceeds seven miles.  Callers must also specify that they want a tipsy tow from a tow truck under contract with the Auto Club to be dispatched. 

The service does not include rides for passengers and is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver. In other words, this isn't a taxi service it's a solo rider deal. If you anticipate this need, you might want to park a distance away, since hitching your vehicle to a big tow truck does draw some attention. Still better than risking a drunk fatality or arrest by law enforcement.

The California Highway Patrol will be on Maximum Enforcement Period to keep all roadways safe for everyone. There will be several different checkpoints throughout the area checking for DUI drivers so expect traffic delays.

Drivers found drunk will have their cars impounded and cited for a DUI. According to the Auto Club, a first-time DUI conviction can result in hefty fines upwards to $12,176 or more in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees, and increase insurance cost. So it’s best to avoid any monetary losses accrued from one night of fun.

These are some suggestions offered by the Auto Club:
• Have a designated non-drinking driver who can take everyone home safely
• Call a friend or family member for a ride home if you have been drinking 
• Keep a taxi company number handy so you can call for a ride home
• Party hosts should also offer non-alcoholic beverages to all designated drivers
• Take car keys from friends and family members who had too much to drink