AAA Combats Holiday Drunk Driving in Iowa and Wisconsin with ‘Tow to Go’
As the holiday season approaches, AAA is once again taking a proactive stance to keep impaired drivers off the road with its 'Tow to Go' program. This vital initiative, now in its 25th year, will be active from 6pm Friday, December 22nd, to 6am Tuesday, January 2nd, in select states including Iowa and Wisconsin.
Tow to Go offers a free and confidential local ride for individuals and their vehicles within a 10-mile radius, providing a safe alternative for those faced with the dangerous decision of driving impaired. With over 25,000 impaired drivers removed from the road since its inception, the program emphasizes responsibility and encourages partygoers to plan ahead by designating a driver or using local ride-sharing services.
While the primary focus is on preventing impaired driving, AAA service technicians also anticipate assisting over 937,000 drivers with car trouble during the holidays. Tow to Go is positioned as a last resort, reinforcing the importance of making responsible choices before celebrations begin.
Impaired driving remains a significant threat to public safety, as evidenced by the 470 crashes involving impaired drivers during the last holiday season in Wisconsin. In Iowa last December, almost 1,100 drivers were charged with OWI on Iowa roads. About 25% of those were 2nd and 3rd offenses.
Available to both AAA members and non-members, 'Tow to Go' can be accessed by calling (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246. However, appointments cannot be scheduled in advance, reinforcing its role as an emergency safety net only.
As we celebrate the joyous season, let's prioritize safety and heed AAA's call to make responsible choices. The police are currently running their 'Drive sober or get pulled over" campaign, so it's better to be safe than sorry and ensure a happier and safer holiday for everyone on the road.
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