Netlore Archive: Wall posts urge New Year's Eve drinkers to take advantage of AAA's 'Tipsy Tow' service, a free program designed to keep drunk drivers off the road.
Description: Viral wall postings
Circulating since: Dec. 2011
Status: Partly true / Misleading (see details below)
Example #1:
As posted on Facebook, Dec. 30, 2011:
If you're planning on going to any parties on New Year's, pay attention. Don't drink and drive - and don't ride with anybody who does. Tipsy Tow is 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 . Please re-post this if you don't mind helping save lives. This is nationwide. Drunk driving kills...
Example #2:
As posted on Facebook, Dec. 30, 2011:
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE ON NEW YEAR'S EVE/DAY
Don't drink and drive-and don't ride with anybody who does. Tipsy Tow offered by AAA: You don't have to be an AAA member, from 6pm-6am on New Year's Eve/Day they will take your drunk butt's and your (POS) car home for FREE. Save this number... 1-800-222-4357. Please re-post this if you don't mind to help save lives. This is offered nationwide. This is real!
Analysis: "Tipsy Tow" (aka "Tow-to-Go") is a real service provided by AAA on New Year's Eve and other holidays in some U.S. cities and towns, but contrary to the information given above it is not available nationwide. A list of participating AAA clubs is available on the American Automobile Association website. Alternative sober/safe ride programs in other parts of the country are also provided.
Read this: Why You Should Never Drink and Drive
Sources and further reading:
AAA 'Tipsy Tow' Goes Viral, But Not Available Everywhere
KLTV News, 29 December 2011Some AAA Clubs Offer Safe Driving Alternatives During New Year's Holiday Weekend
AAA Public Relations, 28 December 2011Sober Ride Programs
Nationwide list of sober/safe ride programs other than AAA
Last updated 12/31/11
