In an effort to keep drunken drivers of the roads this Halloween, AAA of Northern California will be offering free rides home to anyone who has had too much to drink to be able to drive safely.
AAA’s free Tipsy Tow program is open to everyone in Northern California, including people who are not AAA members, according to the organization.
From 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, drivers can call (800) 222-4357 and tell the AAA operator “I need a Tipsy Tow” and a tow truck will be sent to help. AAA will tow vehicles up to five miles to the driver’s home for free. The driver of the vehicle and as many passengers as can safely fit in the tow truck will be taken to the driver’s home as well.
According to the California Department of Justice, 647 people in the state were arrested on Halloween last year for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The California Highway Patrol reported that there were 171 alcohol-related crashes last Halloween. Six people were killed in those crashes and another 95 people were injured.
AAA estimates that a first-time DUI conviction in California can cost up to $12,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and added insurance expenses.
