AAA Merrimack Valley Offers Free Rides and Free Tows Through the Holidays

According to the Web site alcoholalert.com, there have been nearly 2,000 alcohol-related traffic fatalities on the roads of Massachusetts since 2000.

AAA of the Merrimack Valley is once again offering a program it hopes will keep those numbers to a minimum over the holiday season.

The T.O.W.E.D. program offers free towing services and free rides, no questions asked, to anyone who has had one (or more) too many. The program begins Dec. 17 and runs through Jan. 1.

T.O.W.E.D. stands for Tow Operators Working to Eliminate Drunk Driving. Under the terms of the program, a person just needs to call 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357). AAA Merrimack Valley will then dispatch a tow truck from participating AAA garages to give that person a free tow home from a holiday party, as well as a free ride.

The program is being offered to all residents of the Merrimack Valley, whether or not they are AAA members.

"We definitely support the program," said Tewksbury Deputy Police Chief John Voto. "Anything that can help reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads, we support, absolutely."

According to a press release, AAA of Merrimack Valley says it will pick up any person int he Merrimack Valley or Salem, NH area and will transport them and their car to any place in the service area. The only restriction is that the person be taken to their home, not to another party or another establishment. In addition, the car must be operable.

In addition, AAA Merrimack Valley is also once again offering its Designated Driver program, in cooperation with certain Tewksbury businesses. Under terns of the program, designated drivers at holiday parties at , and through Jan. 1, will receive free non-alcoholic beverages.

"Choosing a designated driver is the best way to ensure a safe ride home from holiday parties," said Buzz Seeley, president/CEO of AAA Merrimack Valley.