Melissa Donovan
With St. Patrick’s Day celebrations just around the corner, AAA announced in a news release on Tuesday they are stepping in once again to help keep the roads safe. The organization is activating its lifesaving ‘Tow to Go’ program in select states for the upcoming holiday weekend, ensuring partygoers have a responsible alternative to getting behind the wheel while impaired.
What is Tow to Go?
Tow to Go is a free service that has been offered by AAA for more than 25 years. Designed as a last resort for impaired drivers without a safe ride home, Tow to Go provides a tow truck that will transport both the driver and their vehicle to a secure location within a 10-mile radius. The program has successfully removed nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from roads in total.
Service Availability
Tow to Go will be operational from 6 p.m. Friday, March 14th, until 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 18th. The service is free and available to both AAA members and non-members.
How It Works
If an individual finds themselves unable to drive due to impairment, they can call Tow to Go at (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246. AAA will dispatch a tow truck to pick up the driver and their vehicle, transporting them to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.
While the service is free, AAA encourages people to plan ahead and designate a sober driver in advance.
“We’re proud to be that last line of defense, keeping people from driving impaired,” Nick Jarmusz, Director of Public Affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group said in the release. “We also remain committed to educating the public that it’s important to find a safe ride before drinking alcohol or taking drugs. This is critical so motorists are not in the position of having to decide if they’re sober enough to drive.”
A Sobering Reality
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most dangerous holidays for drunk driving incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 11,000 people lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes in 2020. Many of these fatalities could have been prevented if impaired drivers had chosen a safe alternative rather than risking their lives and others by driving under the influence.
Tow to Go Guidelines
- Service Dates: 6 p.m. Friday, March 14th, to 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 18th.
- Eligibility: Free and available to AAA members and non-members.
- Ride Limitations: Provides a confidential ride for one impaired individual and their vehicle to a safe location within 10 miles.
- No Reservations: The service cannot be scheduled in advance and is intended as a last resort.
- Plan Ahead: Always arrange for a designated driver before celebrations begin.
- Availability Exceptions: Service may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.
Comments