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Posted: Sunday, 06 May 2007 2:14PM
Had Too Many Drinks To Drive? Call Tow Truck
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NAPERVILLE, Ill. (AP) -- A new service being offered to tavern patrons in this Chicago suburb won't come cheap, but it might be a bargain compared to the expense of DUI penalties.
Aurora-based Smith Cos. plans to launch a towing taxi service called NDUIT (No DUI Tonight) later this week in Naperville. It will allow intoxicated drinkers to call for a safe ride home in a tow truck that will also haul their cars.
For an unscheduled pickup, the fee will be $85, plus $2 per mile. In the chance that someone has an advance hunch that they are going to overindulge, a reservation is available for $65 -- plus the towing fee.
Smith vice president Frank Sheppard believes the service is unique.
"There are a lot of businessmen and women, and we feel it's the best place, suburb-wise, to do this," he said.
Naperville's liquor commission wished the company luck, but wondered whether having a fleet of tow trucks on downtown streets at closing time might snarl traffic.
But officials said the truck drivers will park off-site and drive customers' cars to the tow trucks.
Naperville police Capt. Gary Bolt said he doesn't know how practical a tow truck taxi is.
"You can probably pay five bucks for a taxi ride and get back cheaper and more comfortably," he said. "In the interest of public safety, I applaud their efforts, but I just don't know how well it will be received."
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Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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