No Excuses: AAA To Offer Free Rides During the Holidays

There have been nearly 2,000 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in Massachusetts since 2000, according to alcoholalert.com.

To keep those numbers to a minimum, AAA of the Merrimack Valley is offering a unique program that gives free rides to anyone who has had a few too many drinks and may be over the legal limit.

The T.O.W.E.D. program offers free towing services and free rides -- no questions asked. It runs through Jan. 1.

A person must 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 person does not have to be a AAA member.

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.

The program is being offered to all residents of the Merrimack Valley.

"That sounds like a great idea," Westford police Capt. Victor Neal said of the program.

T.O.W.E.D. stands for Tow Operators Working to Eliminate Drunk Driving.

In addition, AAA Merrimack Valley is offering its "Designated Driver" program. It gives free nonalcoholic beverages to designated drivers attending holiday parties at various restaurants in the Merrimack Valley. The Westford Chili's is the only establishment in town that's participating.

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