By Aldrich Tan/For the Times-Delta

June 22, 2005

This Fourth of July weekend, your designated driver could be a tow truck. And it will bring your car home too.

To help drunken drivers and their vehicles get home on the Fourth of July weekend, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Tipsy Tow program will provide free rides home for motorists and their vehicles.

Last year, local tow-truck driver Chris Bartlett of Cesare's Collision Repair & Towing drove six groups of people and their cars home as part of the program, including families and supposed designated drivers and their passengers.

"I'm trying to protect the safety of individuals and others," he said.

"My previous passengers just give me the directions and then pass out. Once you're in my vehicle, just tell me where you live, and I'll get you and your car home safely," he said.

Starting at 6 p.m. on July 1 until midnight on July 4, the

See Tow/3C

How to get a tow

Drivers who have had too much to drink and can't make it home on the Fourth of July weekend can call the AAA Tipsy Tow line at (800) 400-4222 for a free tow.
Section: Local
Page: 1C

Copyright (c) Visalia Times-Delta. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.