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AAA Offers "Tow To Go" Over Memorial Day Weekend

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – This Memorial Day holiday weekend, AAA and Budweiser will be offering free tows to those who over do it.

The annual Tow and Go program provides a confidential ride and tow home from free of charge to anyone who may have had too much to drink. AAA said the program's call volume increased more than 75 percent in 2011 compared to 2010 from intoxicated drivers in need of a safe ride home during the Memorial Day Weekend.

"Ideally people will choose a designated driver before they go out to socialize, but if they don't, programs like these exist to give them another chance to make the right decision and hand over their keys," said AAA spokeswoman Joanna Newton.

"Whether heading home from a beach or pool party, a barbeque or just dining out with friends, arranging a safe ride with Tow to Go, will help get everyone home safely," said Anheuser-Busch vice president Kathy Casso.

You don't even have to be a AAA member. The number to call is 1-800-AAA-HELP (4357). The free tows will be available May 25th through May 28th.

AAA notes that the program is designed to be used as a last resort and is offered based on availability of AAA service technicians and tow trucks.

The folks at AAA A recommend you pre-program their number, or a cab company's number, into your phone ahead of time just in case.

Since 1998, the program has kept more than 18,000 drunk drivers off the roads and saved twice as many lives since it was designed to protect everyone on the roads, not just the intoxicated driver.

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