AAA-Alabama will offer “Tow for Life” on New Year’s Eve. The service, which is in its 22nd year, promotes safe driving.

“It’s not a money making thing for us obviously,” said Clay Ingram, AAA Alabama public relations and marketing manager.

The service offers free towing up to 10 miles. There will be a charge of $2.50 per mile after the first 10 miles.

“This is available to anybody and everybody,” Ingram said. “It’s literally no strings attached. We feel like it’s an effective tool to do two things. Number one, keep impaired drivers off the road on New Year’s Eve. Number two, we hope that prior to New Year’s Eve, it will help to raise awareness.”

Ingram suggested writing down AAA’s toll-free phone number before going out on New Year’s Eve. An operator will ask for the driver’s name, home address, telephone number and location of the vehicle. Then a tow truck will be sent to pick up the vehicle. The vehicle must be towed to the driver’s home, and it must be operational.

“A little bit of planning will go a long way,” Ingram said.

Selma Police Chief William T. Riley III also said it is important to plan ahead. It is as simple as calling a friend or a cab, he said.

“If you know you’re going to a function and you’re going to have something to drink, have a designated driver,” Riley said.

He said the combination of “Tow for Life” and good judgment on the part of Selma residents would help make New Year’s Eve safe for everyone.

“Personally, I think it’s good,” he said. “It makes people more responsible for their actions. I applaud AAA for their actions.”

Riley said there would be extra officers patrolling Selma on New Year’s Eve.

9-H Transport will cover the Selma area on New Year’s Eve.

AAA Alabama’s “Tow for Life” toll-free phone number 1-800-222-4357.