Be A Responsible Super Bowl Partier

Don't take a chance on winding up in the hospital or behind bars after the game. If you've been drinking during the Super Bowl, AAA of Northern California will take you and your car home for free.

The Tipsy Tow program is open to everyone. You do not need to be a AAA member to take advantage of this service to the community.

AAA will offer the service to drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday throughout Marin County. Drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders, and restaurant managers can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow home of up to five miles. Just tell the AAA operator, "I need a Tipsy Tow," and a truck will be on its way.

The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the driver's home. If there are additional passengers who need a ride, they will be taken to the driver's home as long is there is sufficient room for them to be transported safely in the tow truck. You cannot make a reservation.

During 2005, 16,885 people in the U.S. died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, representing 39 percent of all traffic-related deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drunk-driving crashes also account for about 60 percent of highway deaths of young people age 16 to 24 each year. It takes only one or two drinks to impair vision, steering, braking, judgment, and reaction time.

AAA estimates that a first time DUI conviction can cost up to $12,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees, and added insurance expenses. You can't put a price tag on a crash that causes an injury or death.

"Some people are in no condition to drive after a Super Bowl party," said Sean Comey, spokesperson for AAA of Northern California. "If you've been drinking, don't get behind the wheel. Give AAA a call and we'll make sure you get home safely."

AAA of Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 4 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.

Submitted by AAA.