This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah's AAA says it is doing its part to help this year's Cinco de Mayo be a safe one by offering over-imbibing celebrants a free tow and ride home.
It's part of the organization's annual May 5 "Tipsy Tow" program, and it's open to everyone; you do not need to be a member of AAA to use the service from 6 p.m. on May 5 to 6 a.m. on May 6.
Drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders, and restaurant managers all can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow home of up to 10 miles. Just tell the AAA operator, "I need a Tipsy Tow," and a truck will be on its way, says AAA Utah spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough.
In 2012, the most recent year available, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics reveal that Utah registered 34 alcohol related crashes involving drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 (the state's legal limit) or higher.
Even one alcoholic drink can impair vision, steering, braking, judgment, and reaction time, AAA warns.
Nationally, over 1.2 million drivers were arrested in 2012 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
"Many people enjoy getting into the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, which tends to involve plenty of celebrating," Fairclough said. "If you've been drinking alcohol, don't get behind the wheel. Give AAA a call and we'll make sure you get home safely."
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