CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A more-than-45-year-long tradition will continue this New Year’s Eve, offering local partygoers too intoxicated to drive a safe ride home. Jim Hampton, owner of Tatman’s Towing, announced that the company will again provide free rides for people and their vehicles between 8 p.m. on Dec. 31 and 3 a.m. on Jan. 1, ensuring they get home safely without the risk of impaired driving.

The service, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis within the Champaign-Urbana and Savoy limits, will not transport people from one party to another. Vehicles must be in working condition, as the service is intended to prevent accidents, not respond to them, Hampton explained.

Tatman’s Towing has been offering the New Year’s Eve ride service for over four decades, a tradition started by the company’s previous owner, Bill Nelson, more than 45 years ago. Nelson, like Hampton, had worked as a general manager before buying the business from Paul Tatman. Since purchasing the company in 2005, Hampton has continued the program for many of the same reasons he believes Nelson initiated it: to provide a valuable service to the community and assist law enforcement, who are often stretched thin on New Year’s Eve.

“It feels good to be able to offer another option for people, so they don’t make the decision to drive impaired,” said Hampton. “Unfortunately, even with this program, we still see DUIs and accidents related to impaired drivers, so this service is still much needed.”

For rides outside the Champaign-Urbana or Savoy limits, there will be a charge of $5 per mile. Additionally, Hampton mentioned that a $350 fee will be applied if a person becomes sick inside a tow truck, although this situation has not occurred yet.

Tatman’s Towing has been in service for more than 50 years, and Hampton is proud to offer this community support. “We’re not encouraging people to drink so they can use the service, but we are ready to get them home safely if they do.”

To call for a ride, call 217-328-2424.