Free and Confidential Service Aims to Prevent Impaired Driving Fatalities During Holiday Weekend
As Independence Day weekend approaches, AAA anticipates assisting nearly 700,000 stranded motorists, but their focus extends beyond roadside breakdowns.
The Auto Club Group is reactivating its popular “Tow to Go” program in select states, offering a crucial lifeline to impaired drivers and aiming to make roads safer during the busy holiday period.
This free and confidential service provides impaired drivers – and their vehicles – with a safe ride home, preventing potentially deadly situations. The program will be active from 6 p.m. Friday, July 4th, to 6 a.m. Monday, July 7th, covering the peak of the Independence Day celebrations.
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“By offering Tow to Go, AAA helps ensure there’s no excuse for impaired driving,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Plan ahead, but if your plans change, we’re here as a last resort to help you get home safely.”
The “Tow to Go” program is available in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Colorado (Denver), North Carolina (Charlotte), and Indiana (Fort Wayne/South Bend).
How “Tow to Go” Works:
- Drivers can call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO.
- AAA provides a free, confidential ride and tow within a 10-mile radius.
- The service is available to everyone, regardless of AAA membership.
- It cannot be scheduled in advance and is designed for last-minute situations when alternative plans fall through.
The importance of programs like “Tow to Go” cannot be overstated. Impaired driving remains a significant threat on U.S. roads. Nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers. In 2023, a staggering 12,429 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes, meaning a life was lost every 42 minutes due to drunk driving.
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Since its inception over 25 years ago, “Tow to Go” has successfully removed nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from the road, undoubtedly saving countless lives and preventing injuries.
While the service offers a vital safety net, AAA reminds drivers that availability may be limited in rural areas or during severe weather conditions. Planning ahead and arranging for a designated driver or alternative transportation remains the best way to ensure a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend.
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