Planning on having a drink? Call AAA to get home

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

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AAA's Tow to Go service is free and confidential.

BAY AREA (Bay News 9) -- 'Tis the season for holiday parties, which could mean more opportunities to drink and drive.

"People need to plan ahead, choose a designated driver," said Joanna Newton with AAA Auto Club South. "You know you're going out for holiday parties, make sure you know how you're going to get home."

For those who drink and don't have a designated driver, Florida Highway Patrol officers want them to call for a tow.

"We'll come get you and your car and take both home safely," Newton said.

The AAA program is called "Tow to Go," and don't worry, no one ever has to know who you are.

"The most unique thing is it's free, confidential and you never have to let us know who you are," Newton said.

More Information

In Florida, while the overall number of fatal traffic crashes decreased in 2007, alcohol-related fatalities increased.

According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 3,221 fatal traffic crashes in 2007 -- 73 of them between Christmas and New Year. That's down from 3,365 in 2006.

The total of alcohol-related fatalities was 1,244 in 2007 -- 35 of them between Christmas and New Year. That's up from 1,099 in 2006.

Tow to Go first got started in 1998 in the Bradenton-Palmetto area. Since then 8,600 drivers have gotten home safely through the program.

The number for the service is 1-800-AAA-HELP(222-4357).