Free Tipsy Tow Available In Montrose On Fourth Of July

MONTROSE-LA CRESCENTA, CA —The 4th of July is a day for parties, backyard barbecues that turn into nighttime fireworks. But what happens if you aren't sure whether you should drive or not? Or if you have a friend you know shouldn't be operating a vehicle after a day of drinking?

Tell AAA you need a "Tipsy Tow."

You don't need to be an AAA member to utilize the service. It is available for free to anyone who needs it on July 4, from 6 p.m. to July 5 at 6 a.m.

For the 23rd year in a row, AAA offers 12 hours of Tipsy Tow service to remove any excuse to drink and drive.

"One of the most common things an impaired driver will say is that they don't want to leave their car behind," AAA spokeswoman Marie Montgomery told Patch. "AAA removes that excuse by offering this free service to anyone, anywhere in Southern California. We will tow your car and bring your car home within 7 miles."

If your ride is longer than that, you'll need to pay the difference to the tow truck operator.

According to Montgomery, the Tipsy Tow service should get to you "within 30 minutes or less," but depending on the demand that might go up or down a bit.

So, that's a free ride in the time it takes to wait for pizza delivery.

AAA began the program in a time when there were no such things as Uber or Lyft.

"We wanted to get the word out that July 4 is a dangerous drinking and driving holiday," Montgomery said.

AAA wants all to remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving, and alcohol and prescription drugs don't mix, she said.

Hopefully, friends will hear of the Tipsy Tow service and help an impaired driver get home safely.

Call on AAA for Tipsy Tow on 4th of July and New Year's Eve every year by calling: 800-400-4222 and telling the operator: "I need a Tipsy Tow."

Patch staffer Ashley Ludwig contributed to this post.