Phoenix, Ariz. March 14, 2011. AAA wants to keep roads safe this St. Patrick’s Day, and that’s no blarney. To celebrate “The Wearin’ of the Green,” the auto club is once again offering a Tipsy Tow for motorists who may have had too much green beer or Guinness. The service will start 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17 and will run through 6 a.m. Friday, March 18.

“St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated with parties and events that involve the consumption of alcohol,” said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “However, the shenanigans have to stop when it comes to getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. Instead of pushing your luck, call AAA and let us get you home safely.”

To take advantage of AAA’s Tipsy Tow, drivers, passengers, party hosts, bartenders and/or restaurant managers should:

• Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) between 6 p.m., March 17, and 6 a.m., March 18. 
• State that they need a “Tipsy Tow.”
• Provide the driver’s name, home address, phone number and vehicle/driver location.

Tipsy Tow provides a one-way ride for the driver, one passenger and their vehicle at no cost for up to 10 miles. Services 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.

Other services that will not be provided include: requests for a vehicle start, flat tire change, gas delivery and/or taxi service. For trips longer than 10 miles, motorists can expect to be charged the towing company’s standard rate.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one alcohol-impaired death occurs every 45 minutes across the country, with alcohol impaired drivers contributing to one out of every three traffic deaths. As a result, AAA is challenging drivers to pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free.

More than 18,000 DUI arrests were made in Arizona in 2010, according to the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety.  AAA estimates that a first-time DUI conviction can cost a motorist more than $10,000 in fines, penalties, legal fees and increased insurance costs.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services more than 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, auto repair, discounts and financial services to AAA members.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.