'Tipsy Tow' service, DUI blitz tonight

The AAA is recruiting an army of tow trucks to help keep drunken drivers off the roads on New Year's Eve.

Anyone who has been drinking can call for a free ride home. Their car will go with them, free of charge, thanks to the auto club's "Tipsy Tow" program. The toll-free number to request the service is 1-800-222-4357.

"Just tell the AAA operator, 'I need a Tipsy Tow,' and a truck will be on its way," AAA spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough said in a statement Friday. "The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the driver's home."

The program will be offered from 6 p.m. New Year's Eve to 6 a.m. New Year's Day in northern California, Nevada and Utah. Extra passengers will be allowed as long as there's enough room in the tow truck. No reservations will be accepted.

"We're trying to get as many intoxicated people as possible off the road," Fairclough said.

It comes as the Utah Highway Patrol plans a crackdown on drunken driving. Extra troopers will be working the roads over the weekend to arrest anyone caught drinking and driving.

"There are going to be a lot of parties. We do ask that people drink responsibly," UHP trooper Cameron Roden said Friday. "The DUI squad is out."

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com