Local garage to offer 27th New Year’s towing service

9 years ago
    CARIBOU, Maine — Beaulieu’s Garage & Auto Shop is offering free New Year’s towing for the 27th consecutive year. Business owner Jeff Robertson emphasized the importance of ensuring that people start the new year on a good note.

     “We don’t want to see anyone starting off the new year with something bad happening in their family,” said Robertson. “Sometimes you can get caught up in the moment and think you’re fine to drive home, but you might be a little more impaired than you thought. The only requirements we have for people is that their car needs to be driveable and that they promise not to leave their home once we drop them off.”

     Robertson started offering the service in 1988 and has kept it up ever since.

     “We kept going because, unfortunately, I’ve had to respond to fatalities,” said Robertson, “and that’s an awful way for a family to start the new year.”

     Robertson says there are several factors in place when it comes to how busy he will be on New Year’s Eve, such as the weather and what day of the week the holiday falls on. This year, New Year’s Eve falls on a Thursday, meaning that most will have a three-day weekend and are more likely to celebrate.

     “I think this year will be a big one,” said Robertson. “All the factors are in place so it could be.”

     Those who need to use the service simply need to call Beaulieu’s Garage at 492-2471 and ask to get picked up.

     “Basically it comes down to putting them on a list and getting to them as quickly as possible,” said Robertson.

     Beaulieu’s Garage has received plenty of support from the community for their efforts to provide a safe way for people to get home on New Year’s.

     “It’s a good way to make a difference and help the community,” concluded Robertson. “It’s just our way of caring for people and trying to help.”