By SALLY SEXTON
The month of December is usually a busy one, with holidays, parties and other festivities going on.
With hazards, including traffic and the risk of drunk drivers, several businesses are offering safe alternatives to keep people off the roads and out of trouble.
For the second consecutive year, AAA Texas is offering its free Tipsy Tow service during the New Year’s Eve holiday from 6 p.m. on Monday to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, to help remove drinking drivers from the road.
“Law enforcement, individual motorists, party hosts and others are taking responsibility to make sure intoxicated drivers don’t get behind the wheel,” said Linda Von Quintus, AAA vice president of government and community affairs. “AAA’s Emergency Roadside Service team will be a critical part of this important effort to save lives and get motorists home safely.”
Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver can call 1-800-AAA-HELP or 1-800-222-4357 for a free tow home of up to 10 miles. Callers can simply tell AAA Texas operators, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” to receive the free tow and ride home. A regular AAA Texas-contracted roadside service truck will be dispatched. The program is free and not limited to AAA members.
With several AAA locations in Fort Worth, one Weatherford wrecker business is participating in the Tipsy Tow program to help keep Parker County residents safe.
Aces Wrecker and Lockout Service is offering drivers a free tow and ride home, for up to 10 miles from the pickup location.
Participating for the first year, the company says its goal is to make sure everyone gets home safely, and has been promoting the program for more than a month.
The program is available for up to two people, but does not include any other services, such as flat tire repair or gas delivery, under the AAA guidelines.
Anyone traveling more than 10 miles from the location will be charged $3 per each additional mile. Callers within the county may contact the 1-800-222-4357 number.
Other towing and wrecker businesses are offering their services for New Year’s Eve, and will be on call 24/7.
John Hall, owner of Longhorn Wrecker Service, said that New Year’s Eve hasn’t been as busy as the following week.
“Most people usually do pretty well on New Year’s Eve and stay responsible,” he said. “It’s the weekend after that where you get a lot of DWIs because people let their guard down.”
Longhorn charges a towing fee of $50 around town. A trip to Fort Worth costs around $120, and credit cards are accepted.
AA Wrecker also offers towing for both car and driver, with a $50-$55 fee for tows within the city and a charge of $85-$125 for Fort Worth, depending on the exact location.
Sargent’s Wrecker Service is also available 24 hours a day, and will provide towing within Weatherford city limits for $55. Pricing for Fort Worth trips varies.
Another alternative is Weatherford’s sole tax company, Weatherford Taxicab. Motorists can call (817) 583-3222 to get a lift, with standard fare to be charged.
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