What Is Tow to Go? A Guide to Getting Home Safely

Article overview

• AAA Tow to Go Program: This article explains the AAA Tow to Go program, a free and confidential service that provides a safe ride home for impaired drivers and their vehicles during most major holiday periods.

• Program benefits and operation: It details how the program works, highlighting its key benefits such as being a no-cost safety net for both AAA Members and non-members and outlines the simple steps to use the service by calling the hotline.

• Service availability: The overview lists the states and specific cities where the Tow to Go service is currently available and notes that it operates during specific times.

• Alternative safe ride options: In addition to Tow to Go, the article explores other responsible choices for getting home safely, including planning ahead with ride-sharing apps, using public transportation or arranging for a designated driver.

What is Tow to Go?

Enjoying a night out with friends, family or colleagues is a great way to celebrate, especially during annual holiday periods (Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, etc.).

But when the festivities include alcohol or any substance that impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely, getting home safely must be the top priority.

While most people plan ahead, sometimes arrangements fall through. That's where the AAA Tow to Go program comes in, offering a crucial safety net to prevent impaired driving.

Understanding the AAA Tow to Go program

Tow to Go is a confidential and free service provided by AAA to get impaired drivers and their vehicles home or to a secure location safely. Since its start in 1998, the program has successfully removed nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from the road.

The goal is simple: to save lives by offering a responsible alternative to driving under the influence. It is available during most major holiday periods when celebrations often involve alcohol or another impairing substance.

Key benefits of Tow to Go

This program is designed to be a last resort, but it offers significant advantages for those who find themselves in an unsafe situation due to drinking or other similar activities.

• It’s free and confidential: The service is available at no cost to both AAA Members and non-members. Your call is confidential, so you can ask for help without worry.

• You and your car get home: Our AAA tow trucks will transport you and your vehicle to a safe location, like your home, within a 10-mile radius.

• It's a safety net: Tow to Go is not a reservation-based service. It is designed for unexpected situations where an original plan for a safe ride home did not work out -- your designated driver isn’t able to take you home, public transportation isn’t available or a ride share can’t make it to your location.

How does Tow to Go work?

Using the service is straightforward. If you've been drinking and don't have a safe way home, you can call the Tow to Go hotline.

1. Call the hotline: Dial (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.

1. Provide your location: A dispatcher will take your information and arrange for a tow truck to meet you.

1. Get a ride: The driver will take you and your car to a safe place within a 10-mile limit.

It's important to note that in some situations, such as severe weather or in very rural areas, the service may be limited. AAA may need to make other arrangements to ensure the individual gets home safely.

Service areas and availability

The Tow to Go program is not available everywhere; however, new cities are added when needed. It currently operates in the following states and cities:

• Colorado (Denver)

• Florida

• Georgia

• Indiana (Fort Wayne/South Bend)

• Iowa

• Michigan

• Nebraska

• North Carolina (Charlotte)

• North Dakota

• Tennessee

• Wisconsin

The service runs during specific holiday periods. This lifesaving program is active for St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the Christmas through New Year's holiday season.

Other safe ride home options

While Tow to Go is an excellent resource, the best strategy is to plan your safe ride before you even leave the house. Here are three alternatives to consider and make plans for prior to your fun night out.

1. Set up a ride-share service

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft have become a go-to option for many people. They offer a convenient way to get a ride at almost any time of day.

How to prepare:

• Download the app in advance: Don't wait until you need a ride to download the app. Set up your account and payment information at home so it's ready when you need it.

• Check for drivers: Before you head out, open the app to get a sense of driver availability in the area you'll be. In some rural areas, there may be fewer drivers.

• Verify your ride: When your driver arrives, always confirm their name, license plate number and car model before getting in. This ensures you're getting into the correct vehicle.

You can also call a traditional taxi or shuttle service in your area. Look up local company numbers and save them in your phone as a backup.

2. Use public transportation

If you live in an area with a bus or train system, public transportation can be an affordable and safe way to travel. It removes the stress of driving and parking, allowing you to relax.

Tips for using public transport:

• Check schedules ahead of time: Public transit often runs on a different schedule at night or during holidays. Check the last departure times and pickup locations online before you go out.

• Map your route: Use a transit app or website to plan your route from the venue to your home. Know which stops you need and if any transfers are required.

• Stay aware: When traveling at night, stick to well-lit bus stops or train stations. It’s always a good idea to travel with a friend whenever possible and be aware of your surroundings.

3. Choose a designated driver

The designated driver is a time-tested method for ensuring everyone gets home safely. This approach requires a little bit of planning and communication among your group.

How to make it work:

• Decide early: Establish who will be the designated driver at the beginning of the night, before anyone starts drinking. This person agrees to abstain from alcohol completely.

• Support your driver: Make sure the designated driver feels included in the fun. Offer to buy them non-alcoholic drinks or food as a thank you.

• Hand over the keys: A good practice is for the designated driver to hold onto everyone's car keys. This prevents anyone from making a poor decision to drive home on their own.

A designated driver does not consume any alcohol or a substance that impairs their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Even one drink can impair judgment and reaction time, so it's important that the chosen driver sticks to their commitment.

Plan ahead for a safe night

Celebrations are meant to be happy occasions, and a little planning can keep them that way. By knowing your options, from the AAA Tow to Go program to ride-sharing and designated drivers, you can make responsible choices that protect yourself and others on the road. Always have a plan A, B and C for getting home safely.