AAA Arizona has been a champion for the safety and security of the motoring public since the club’s inception. As such, the auto club recognizes and has taken action to reduce a dangerous problem that threatens everyone on the road today: driving under the influence. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division there were nearly 40,000 alcohol related crashes and nearly 1,800 fatalities between 2004 and 2009. In addition, Arizona Department of Public Safety reported that there were nearly 230,000 DUI arrests within those five years.

To combat this issue and reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and fatalities on Arizona roads, AAA Arizona launched its Tipsy Tow service in May 2009, and has been offering the complimentary service during holidays and special events ever since. In May 2011, the club partnered with BACIC (Beverage Alcohol Community Information Council) to strengthen the resource and to multiply the outreach for drunk-driving prevention.

What is Tipsy Tow?

• Tipsy Tow is a free one-way ride tow home, up to 10 miles, for drivers, and one of their passengers, who have been drinking.

Who can participate?

• Tipsy Tow is a public service that serves everyone – not just members!
• Anyone can call for a “tipsy tow” – drivers, passengers, bartenders, party-hosts, or even restaurant managers.

When is Tipsy Tow offered?

• Tipsy Tow is offered when Arizona experiences the highest volume of DUI arrest and alcohol-related crashes – during holidays and special events, such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July and even Super Bowl Sunday.
• The service is typically offered from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the service day.
• From the program’s inception on Memorial Day 2009, to New Year’s Day 2011, AAA Arizona has offered 17 Tipsy Tow service periods to the motoring public.
• Look for Tipsy Tow service announcements on the AAA Arizona Traffic Safety News page, the Highroads magazine Facebook page, or on Twitter.

Where is Tipsy Tow available?

• Tipsy Tow is available throughout the state of Arizona.

How can I take advantage of the Tipsy Tow service?

• To get a “tipsy tow” for yourself or someone you know who has too much to drink, call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) on a service day and state you need a “tipsy tow.”
• Provide the driver’s name, home address, phone number and vehicle/driver location.

How much does a Tipsy Tow cost?

• Tipsy tow is free, up to 10 miles. For trips longer than 10 miles, motorists can expect to be charged the towing company’s standard rate.

What else do I need to know about Tipsy Tow?

• Tipsy Tow service will not be provided to motorists requesting a tow to another drinking establishment or to a destination other than their home.  A tow to a hotel may be allowed if the motorists is, or plans to become, a guest.
• The service does not offer light service duties, such as vehicle starts, flat tire change, battery replacement, gas delivery and/or taxi service.

What is BACIC?
BACIC is a council comprised of organizations and trade groups from the hospitality industry, including restaurants, bars, lodging and tourism sectors.  The Council seeks to promote community awareness and information about issues in our State related to the beverage alcohol industry, to ensure responsible and lawful consumption of alcoholic beverages, and to recognize the role that hospitality establishments play in our tourism industry and economy. BACIC supports well-designed and effective public policies that advance this mission without unreasonably restricting the options of those consumers who choose to enjoy alcohol beverages responsibly and in moderation or adversely affecting the economic vitality of our State.
For more information, visit the BACIC website .