The next week and a half are bound to be full of celebration and merriment for most. We don’t want all that fun to turn into sorrow.

Christmas and New Year’s are two of the most anticipated holidays of the year, and it just so happens they are a week apart. Some people will be celebrating with alcohol, and that can lead to tragedy if they do not plan a sober ride home.

AAA Tidewater is offering its Tipsy Tow service through 6 a.m. on Jan. 1. The service is available to anyone, whether they are a AAA member or not, and is provided in the Greater Hampton Roads area. The AAA tow truck will take the vehicle and the driver home. Those in need of this service should call 1-800-AAA-HELP and tell the dispatcher “I need a Tipsy Tow.” The service excludes rides for passengers, and the destination is limited to the driver’s residence.

As its capacity is limited, Tipsy Tow should be a last resort. Here’s what you can do ahead of time to help ensure your own safety and that of others on the road:

• Choose a non-drinking designated driver every time you go out.
• If you go out alone, stick to water or soda.
• Never feel pressured to drink alcohol.
• If you do drink, do so responsibly. Eat plenty of food and drink water.
• If you’ve been drinking and don’t have a designated driver, call a taxi or car-sharing service for a ride.
• Never get in a car with a driver who has been drinking.
• Protect others by taking their keys if they attempt to drive after consuming alcohol. You can call them a ride or offer them a place to sleep for the night, but above all, do not let them drive.
• Be alert on the road, and report drivers you suspect to be under the influence by calling 911.