Bradford County tow service is offering help during the New Year's Eve holiday

Bradford County's newest tow service is offering help during the New Year's Eve holiday. "Tipsy Tow" is being offered by Miracle Towing and Automotive in Starke.

The service will be available from 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, to 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, to help remove drinking drivers from the road. The service, called "Tipsy Tow" is available for the City of Starke and the surrounding area.

The tow company, along with local law enforcement, urge party-goers to plan ahead for a sober ride or use a designated driver if attending a gathering. But if those plans fall through, motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver may call Miracle Towing at 904-368-1114 for a free tow home of up to five miles in Bradford County.

Callers simply tell the operators, "I need a Tipsy Tow," to receive the free tow and ride home.

Callers need to keep in mind that the service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver and the destination is limited to the driver's residence. Reservations are not accepted.  For rides farther than five miles, drivers may be charged by the tow truck company, albeit at a much lower rate.

Drinking drivers frequently don't plan for other ways to get home after a get-together or party. "We encourage drivers who have been drinking not to get behind the wheel," said Kirk Miracle of Miracle Towing, "But if the situation arises, we want to make sure people can get home safely."

New Year's Eve is a traditional time for family gatherings, parties, restaurant outings and activities that contribute to a more relaxed atmosphere but the holiday is widely regarded as the most dangerous holiday night of the year.
 
Motorists can keep themselves and others safe and can avoid DUI arrests by keeping these safety tips in mind:

•Always plan ahead to designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins.

•Never serve alcohol to those under age 21. It's illegal and dangerous.

•Call a friend or family member for a ride home if you've been drinking.

•As a party host, offer non-alcoholic drink alternatives and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers; provide overnight accommodations to guests who've been drinking.

•Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.

•If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 9-1-1 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself).

• Remember that prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs also can impair your ability to drive safely and can often sharply increase the impairing effects of alcohol.

Cox Media Group