AAA Free Tipsy Tow Service NOT A Nationwide Program

2014 Update for New Jersey drivers: Sober Sam is available but

News about AAA offering free towing service nationwide to get inebriated drivers home safely on New Year’s Eve is circulating virally on Facebook but according to Snopes, less than a dozen states offer this program.

When you see this posted on Facebook, tell people not to rely on the service. There’s only a limited chance it will be in effect where they live:

No Excuses!!! Don’t drink and drive — and don’t ride with anybody who does. Tipsy Tow offered by AAA: You don’t have to be a AAA member, from 6pm-6am on New Year’s Eve/Day they will take your drunk self and your car home for FREE. Save this number … 1-800-222-4357.

Actual Drunk Driver Rescue Services Available in New Jersey for New Year’s Eve are:

  • Sober Sam provides drivers to take you home safely if you’re too alcohol impaired to do this yourself. Call their emergency hotline at 856-520-5679 or make a reservation in advance. This service is only available in the South Jersey/Philly area though, so check your options first. And, although it’s pretty low cost, it’s not free.
  • In New Jersey, free AAA tow service is available only in Morris, Essex and Union counties, provided by the New Jersey Automobile Club (doesn’t seem to be provided any longer). AAA Clubs in other areas aren’t offering this program.
  • AAA maintains a list of other drunk driver rescue programs on its website. Check it out.

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