December 8th, 2009
AAA Holiday Programs Help Cut Down on Alcohol-related Crashes
(Article appears in the December 2009 issue of AAA Merrimack Valley ‘Valley News’)
Once again, AAA Merrimack Valley will be offering free tows and rides to those who overindulge throughout the holiday season.
Through the T.O.W.E.D. Program (Tow Operators Working to Eliminate Drunk Driving), AAA Merrimack Valley will dispatch a tow truck from participating AAA garages to give anyone a free tow home from a holiday party as well as a free ride.
The Club is offering this free service from Dec. 17 to Jan. 1.
How the T.O.W.E.D. Program works
To get a free tow and ride, anyone may call (for themselves or for another person) (800) AAA-HELP. AAA will offer a no-cost, no-questions-asked tow and ride to anyone who has had “one too many”, regardless of whether they are a AAA Merrimack Valley member.
We will pick up a person and their car anywhere in the Merrimack Valley and Salem, N.H., areas, and tow them anywhere within our territory.
People are to be taken home – not to another party or establishment – and cars must be operable.
The Designated Driver Program
To further stress that drinking and driving don’t mix, AAA Merrimack Valley will sponsor a Holiday Designated Driver Program and will publish a brochure that gives tips on hosting a safe holiday party.
The Designated Driver Program is being co-sponsored by restaurants, lodging and nightclubs within the Merrimack Valley area.
The program encourages everyone to choose a designated driver before they head out for a holiday party. Designated drivers will receive free nonalcoholic beverages from participating area restaurants, lodgings and nightclubs during the same time period, from Dec. 17 to Jan. 1.
“Choosing a designated driver is the best way to ensure a safe ride home from holiday parties,” said Buzz Seeley, President/CEO, AAA Merrimack Valley.
The names of the participating establishments will appear in the AAA promotional materials. This campaign will be announced through the Valley area through press releases to local newspapers and radio stations along with posters, flyers and ads in local media.