Screw BART, I'm taking AAA.

I’m sure this last new years we were all to busy drinking to take note but AAA offered free tows to anyone who had to much to drink. Yeah, not only would you get a ride home, but they tow you care there for you. The best part? It was free AND available to anyone, not just members. THAT is pretty rad.

San Francisco, December 22, 2005- On a typical day, a AAA tow truck can come to the rescue when you need help. On New Year's Eve, one might just save your life.

This year, AAA of Northern California is launching a new program called "Tipsy Tow." The concept is simple: If you have too much to drink, just call AAA and you and your car will be towed home for free. The program is open to everyone. You do not need to be a AAA member to take advantage of this service to the community.

AAA will offer the service to drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year's Day in Northern California, Nevada and Utah. Drivers, potential passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant managers can call (800) 222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow home of up to seven miles. Just tell the AAA operator, "I need a Tipsy Tow," and a truck will be on its way.

The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the driver's home. If there are additional passengers who need a ride, they will be taken to the driver's home as long as there is sufficient room for them to be transported safely in the tow truck. You cannot make a reservation.

Despite the decline in alcohol-related crashes in the last 10 years, alcohol is still a factor in more than 16,000 vehicle crash deaths each year in the United States. Drunk-driving crashes also account for about 60 percent of highway deaths of young people age 16 to 24 each year. It takes only one or two drinks to impair vision, steering, braking, judgment and reaction time.

AAA estimates that a first time DUI conviction can cost up to $12,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and added insurance expenses. You can't put a price tag on a crash that causes an injury or death.

"Start 2006 off right," said Mike Bregante, AAA senior vice president of automotive product management. "If you've been drinking, don't get behind the wheel. Give AAA a call and we'll make sure you get home safely."

AAA of Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 4 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.