AAA is activating its Tow to Go service for drivers who need a ride home after drinking or using substances this holiday weekend.
The goal is to prevent impaired driving and the accidents and fatalities that can result from it.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, impaired driving which includes driving drunk or high is responsible for a quarter of all driving-related deaths in Florida.
Along with the loss of human life, driving buzzed in the state will result in penalties for drivers.
Fines for a DUI start at $500 plus a driver's license will be revoked for at least 180 days.
In order to avoid any of these consequences, AAA’s Mark Jenkins is advising Floridians to find a designated sober driver this weekend, or to call AAA’s Tow to Go.
When you call Tow to Go, AAA deploys a tow truck to pick you and your car up and drop you both off at a safe point within a 10-mile radius of the initial call.
“Tow to Go serves as that last line of defense in keeping impaired drivers off the road,” said Jenkins. “If you plan to consume alcohol or drugs this weekend, make plans for a safe ride home first. If your plans fall through, you can call AAA, and we’ll get you to a safe place.”
Jenkins said the service is free for members and non-members alike. Call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246 to activate the service.
The service runs Wednesday, November 27 starting at 6 p.m. through Monday, December 2 at 6 a.m.
The Auto Club Group has provided Tow to Go for more than 25 years. In that time, it’s helped almost 30,000 impaired drivers get back home safely.
If you’re out of town this holiday season, the service is also available in ten other states including Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana.
Keep in mind that Tow to Go might not be available in rural parts of some states or those impacted by snowy or other winter weather conditions.
In general, AAA says it could field more than 570,000 calls from drivers who are stranded for any number of reasons this Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
A record 71.7 million Americans are expected to hit the road headed home for turkey dinner.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said drivers should expect to see more police officers and deputies patrolling the roads this holiday season, citing more than 7,300 crashes logged last Thanksgiving between Thanksgiving Eve and the weekend after.
Thirty percent of these collisions were rear-end collisions and 70% happened during the day.
Here are some tips from FLHSMV:
- Never drive impaired. Alcohol, drugs, a combination of the two, and even some over-the-counter medications should not be used if you plan on getting behind the wheel. It is not worth the risk to yourself or others on the road if you feel different.
- Limit distractions. Focus on driving and keep your eyes on the road. No text is worth your life. Whatever the distraction, whether it's a phone call, adjusting the radio, or eating, put it down and concentrate on reaching your destination safely.
- Slow down, speed kills. In Florida, the speed limit is never over 70 miles per hour. With increased traffic and everyone trying to get to the same place, patience is required. Being calm and courteous can contribute to a respectful and considerate driving environment, ensuring that we all arrive alive.
- Plan your route. If you are traveling across the state, ensure that you have checked your route ahead of time and are aware of rest stops and gas stations. This will give you a sense of preparedness and control, allowing you to fuel up or take a break if needed and ensuring a smoother journey.
- Prepare your vehicle. Before you head out, make sure that your vehicle is safe to drive. This responsible and proactive action, though it may not be a top priority in our fast-paced lives, can make a significant difference in ensuring a safe and non-eventful drive. Check your tires, tire pressure, and brakes to be fully prepared.
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