AAA Hawai‘i Offers “Tipsy Tow” For 4th of July

AAA Hawaiʻi is offering a “tipsy tow” service during the July 4th holiday, as a last resort for individuals needing a ride home after drinking.

AAA Hawaiʻi to offer 4th of July “Tipsy Tow” service.

The service is available in areas served by AAA Hawaiʻi, and is good for a free tow home of up to five miles. The tow is unique in that it provides a driver with a safe ride home for themselves and their vehicle instead of driving while intoxicated.

The service is available from 6 p.m. on Tuesday, (July 4th) until 6 a.m. on Wednesday (July 5th). Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver may call 1-800-222-4357 for the service.

Over a nine year period through 2012, there were 484 people killed in crashes in Hawaiʻi involving drunk driving, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control.

“We want motorists to be aware of the high crash risk from drinking and driving associated with the holiday.  We encourage drivers to designate a sober driver instead of getting behind the wheel if they have been drinking,” said AAA Hawaiʻi’s General Manager Liane Sumida.

“It takes only one or two drinks to slow physical and mental skills and affect vision, steering, braking, judgment and reaction time,” Sumida said. “Drivers should be aware that the law enforcement agencies are using extra patrols to look for and arrest impaired  drivers during the holiday.”

Callers need to keep in mind that the service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver and the destination is limited to the driver’s residence. Reservations are not accepted. Drivers can expect to pay the rate charged by    the tow truck contractor for rides beyond five miles.

AAA Hawaiʻi estimates that a first time DUI conviction can cost about $15,688 or more in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and insurance costs.

AAA Hawaiʻi advises those who celebrate July 4th, can help keep themselves and others safe with these safety tips:

• Always plan ahead to designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins.
• At social events, designate non-drinking drivers who can get everyone home safely.
• Never serve alcohol to those under age 21. It’s illegal and dangerous.
• Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who was drinking alcohol or using drugs.
• Call a friend or family member for a ride home if you’ve been drinking.
• Keep a cab company or sober ride telephone number in your cell phone and wallet so you can call for a ride home.
• As a party host, offer non-alcoholic drink alternatives and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers; provide overnight accommodations to guests who’ve been drinking.
• Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have been drinking.

• If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 9-1-1 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself).