As Thanksgiving travel picks up, AAA expects to respond to over 570,000 calls for roadside assistance. To help keep roads safe, The Auto Club Group will activate its free “Tow to Go” program from Wednesday, November 27, at 6 p.m. through Monday, December 2, at 6 a.m.
Just the Facts
• AAA projects 71.7 million Americans will hit the roads for Thanksgiving, setting travel records.
• The “Tow to Go” program offers a confidential ride for impaired drivers and their vehicles to a safe destination within a 10-mile radius.
• This service is free and available to both members and non-members in select states, including Georgia.
• AAA says the program as a last resort, urging drivers to plan ahead for a sober ride.
The Details: The service aims to prevent accidents caused by impaired driving. From 2017 to 2021, over 830 fatalities involved drunk drivers during the Thanksgiving holiday period, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Quote: “If you plan to consume alcohol or drugs this weekend, make plans for a safe ride home first. Call AAA if your plans fall through, and we’ll get you to a safe place,” AAA Spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said.
By the Numbers
• 570,000: Calls expected by AAA nationwide during Thanksgiving weekend.
• 71.7 million: Americans predicted to travel by car over the holiday.
• 830+: Lives lost in drunk-driving crashes from 2017 to 2021 during Thanksgiving.
• Call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246 for assistance.
Guidelines
• Service cannot be scheduled in advance.
• It is intended as an emergency measure, not a pre-planned solution.
• May be unavailable in rural areas or severe weather.
Why It Matters: With crowded roads and holiday celebrations, the risk of impaired driving spikes. Programs like “Tow to Go” aim to reduce this risk, offering a lifesaving option for those without safe alternatives.
Tips For The Tipsy: If you or someone you know plans to drink, arrange a designated driver, use rideshare apps, or rely on services like AAA’s “Tow to Go.” Staying proactive can prevent tragedies.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
