AAA is giving free rides this holiday season to reduce impaired driving

The holidays are officially here, and if you or a loved one has too much to drink, remember not to drive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the 2019 holiday season, more than 210 drunk driving-related fatalities occurred.

Now, AAA is making it easier for partygoers to get home safely from their destinations. The organization is giving free rides and vehicle towing services as a part of their “Tow to Go” program.

“Tow to Go” kicked off at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 and will run through 6 a.m. on Jan. 3, 2022. AAA will transport drivers and their vehicles to a safe place inside a 10 mile radius.

“Driving impaired doesn’t only endanger yourself, but risks the lives of all the adults and children you share the road with,” Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman for AAA–The Auto Club Group, said in a statement. “AAA is proud to provide this life-saving program during the holidays. Yet we still urge people to identify a safe ride home before they party, and treat Tow to Go as their last resort.”

Here are AAA’s “Tow to Go” guidelines (via AAA):

• Free, confidential rides are available to both AAA Members and non-members.
• The AAA tow truck takes the vehicle and driver home or somewhere safe within 10 miles of the pickup location.
• AAA service vehicles are limiting passengers to one (1) per vehicle, with a face mask/covering, in accordance with established COVID-19 safety protocols. Other passengers need to make other arrangements.
• In certain situations, AAA may need to make other arrangements to get an impaired individual a safe ride home.
• “Tow to Go” may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.
• Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead.

To request a “Tow to Go,” call 855-286-9246. For more information on AAA’s “Tow to Go” program, go here.