LYNCHBURG, Va. – As New Year’s Eve celebrations reach their peak, one local towing company is stepping in to prevent alcohol-related traffic accidents. Bee Line Towing in Lynchburg is offering free rides home and towing services to those who may have had too much to drink, aiming to keep the roads safe. All you have to do is call their number at 434-239-5386.
For over 10 years, Bee Line Towing has provided this service as part of their effort to reduce alcohol-related traffic incidents during the holiday season. According to Leah Jones, the Marketing Director at Bee Line Towing, the company decided to take action after recognizing the dangers on New Year’s Eve.
“The worst accidents we see involve really high speed or drunk driving,” Jones said. “So, on a day where so many drunk driving accidents happen, like I said, it’s statistically one of the highest incident days of the year. We thought, what can we do to prevent some of these? So, during those peak hours when people can’t find a ride or don’t want to call an Uber, we decided to offer a free ride home.”
According to AAA, there were 105 alcohol-related crashes in Virginia over the New Year’s Eve weekend last year, resulting in three deaths and 68 injuries. This makes the service offered by Bee Line Towing a crucial option for those planning to drive.
“People ask why they don’t just call an Uber,” Jones said. “Uber does not get your car home, we will get your car home, and then you don’t have to worry about it the next day. It’ll be there safe. No one’s going to break into it or hit it overnight either.”
The free ride service is available from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, covering both the driver and the vehicle within a 20-mile radius of Lynchburg. A simple phone call is all it takes to request the service.
“A DUI is incredibly expensive, an Uber ride is cheap, and our ride is free,” Jones said. “So, there is no reason to get yourself into trouble. There’s no reason not to call us tonight. Get yourself and your car home safely. You won’t have to go back and get it tomorrow—it will be in your driveway, right where you need it.”
Bee Line Towing employees typically see people at their worst when responding to accidents or breakdowns. However, with this proactive service, they are able to help in a different way—by preventing potential accidents and ensuring a safer night for everyone.
“Just give us a call and tell the dispatcher you want a New Year’s Eve ride home or a drunk ride home, or whatever you want to call it,” Jones said. “They’ll know not to charge you for that. They’ll know what to tell our guys, and we’ll send someone to come pick you and your vehicle up and take you right to your door.”
As Lynchburg rings in the New Year, Bee Line Towing’s initiative is making it easier for people to celebrate responsibly and avoid the risks of driving under the influence.