In an effort to curb impaired driving during one of the most bustling holiday weekends of the year, AAA has rolled out their free "Tow to Go" service. This initiative that kicked off Wednesday evening is set to offer a lifeline to those who've partaken in festivities a bit too much and find themselves without a sober means to return home. According to WSVN, the program boasts over two decades of commitment to public safety and extends its reach to all, AAA members and non-members alike.
The service, which will run through to the morning of December 2nd, is not just a favor but a necessary intervention given the macabre tally of more than 830 deaths involving impaired drivers during the Thanksgiving stretch from 2017 to 2021, as highlighted by data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Tow to Go serves as that last line of defense in keeping impaired drivers off the road," said AAA – The Auto Club Group Spokesperson Mark Jenkins in a statement obtained by WSVN. The service involves dispatching a tow truck to transport both the individual and their car, provided they are within a 10-mile radius of their home.
The gravity of this program cannot be understated, as AAA anticipates a record-setting horde of 71.7 million Americans to hit the road this Thanksgiving, per data furnished by the same organization. While AAA stresses that "Tow to Go" should be considered a last resort, the fact remains that it has removed nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from the roads since its inception, as reported by The Chattanooga Pulse. This initiative shadows the unfortunate reality that revelry often dovetails with a rise in inebriation and resultant poor decision-making.
For those unforeseen circumstances where a designated driver or a pre-arranged plan falls short, the AAA "Tow to Go" service offers their succor. "If your plans fall through, you can call AAA, and we'll get you to a safe place," Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, told The Chattanooga Pulse. While appointments cannot be scheduled in advance, and the service might not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions, the essence of "Tow to Go" remains clear—a staunch commitment to roadside safety.
The emergency service can be reached at (855) 2-TOW-2-GO, or (855) 286-9246, providing a confidential way for people to get home safely after holiday events. The program's guidelines help ensure it's used appropriately, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead for safe travel.
