Tucson police will increase DUI enforcement efforts this New Year's weekend, said Sgt. Pete Dugan, a department spokesman.

The Southern Arizona DUI Task Force will be out in force this New Year's weekend working to spot impaired drivers.

Along with saturation patrols in the Tucson area, AAA will provide folks with a free ride and tow home with its Tipsy Tow service, said Sgt. Pete Dugan, a Tucson Police Department spokesman.

The Tipsy Tow service is free for up to 10 miles, and beyond that motorists are charged a standard towing rate. The service does not include roadside assistance, Dugan said.

Tipsy Tow will be available Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Jan. 1.

To use this service, call 1-800-AAA-HELP and ask for Tipsy Tow, said Dugan. Drivers, passengers, party hosts, bartenders and restaurant mangers are among those who can call for the service.

The driver's name, home address, phone number and vehicle/driver location must be provided.

Dugan said drivers are encouraged to not drink and drive, but if a driver consumes alcohol, use a designated sober driver, Tipsy Tow, a taxi cab or a ride share service.

In addition to the DUI task force, Dugan said Tucson Police officers will conduct DUI deployments starting Friday and continuing through Saturday to reduce impaired drivers on the roads.


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Contact reporter Carmen Duarte at cduarte@tucson.com or 573-4104. On Twitter: @cduartestar