Phoenix, Ariz., Nov. 22, 2010. AAA is thankful for motorists who elect not to drink and drive. As a result, the auto club is offering its “Tipsy Tow” service over the Thanksgiving holiday. The service will start at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day and will run through 6 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 26.

“We want to urge Arizonans to celebrate responsibly this holiday season,” said AAA Arizona Director of Communication and Public Affairs Linda Gorman. “Through Tipsy Tow, we can provide a resource that helps motorists get home safely, thereby making the roads safer for everyone.”

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., Nov. 25, and 6 a.m., Nov. 26. 
• 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, an average of one alcohol-impaired death occurs every 45 minutes across the country, and alcohol impaired drivers contribute to one out of every three traffic deaths. As a result, AAA is challenging drivers to pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free this holiday season.

According to the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety, DUI task forces made nearly 4,500 arrests between Thanksgiving and New Year's in 2009. 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.