Triple-A of Arizona, Uber aim to keep drunk drivers off streets on New Year’s Eve
Dec 30, 2016, 9:06 AM | Updated: 11:39 am
(Pexels.com Photo)
PHOENIX — It’s that time of year again: New Year’s Eve is right around the corner and various businesses around the Valley are stepping up to prevent drunk driving fatalities.
As per usual, Triple-A of Arizona will ring in the new year by offering its “Tipsy Tow” service for those who may have celebrated a little too hard this holiday.
In order to keep roads around the Valley safe, the company will offer its free 10-mile towing service to anyone in the state starting at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
In order to access the Tipsy Tow service, users must call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357), say that they need a “Tipsy Tow” and provide the driver’s name, home address, phone number and vehicle and driver location.
The service would provide a free 10-mile tow and ride home, but does not include roadside assistance. If the driver goes beyond the 10-mile mark, they are charged a standard towing rate. It’s offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Valley Metro has also taken steps to prevent drunk drivers. The organization teamed up with Coors Light to offer residents free rides on the light rail, buses and Dial-A-Ride, beginning at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
The light rail will have extended service until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day, but most bus routes will end service around 10 p.m.
As part of the partnership, users can get 10 percent off of two Uber rides to or from from Valley Metro Rail stations from 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day with the code CLNYE.
Ring in #newyear w/ @CoorsLight Free Rides, @Uber_AZ discounts to/from @valleymetro rail stns. #celebratesafe INFO: https://t.co/Xh21mPN4oB pic.twitter.com/RAMStKjN8q
— Valley Metro (@valleymetro) December 29, 2016
Arizona drivers should take advantage of the services. The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is ramping up DUI task forces all over the state during New Year’s weekend.
According to highway safety officials, more than 22,000 DUI arrests were made during 2016. A first-time DUI conviction can cost the driver upwards of $10,000.
The issue of drunk drivers was thrust into the spotlight this month, after former Arizona Cardinals receiver Michael Floyd was arrested for a DUI after being found asleep at the wheel in Scottsdale.