Tow To Go Revs Up For Labor Day Weekend

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with big party plans over the Labor Day weekend will find AAA tow truck drivers are ready to help keep roads throughout the region safe. Since the holiday is creating a long weekend for many, the auto club has announced an extended run for its Tow To Go service.

Tow To Go rides are offered at no charge to AAA members and non-members alike with vehicle towing included. Motorists in need of rides home can request service starting Friday, Sept. 1. Trucks will be available to help keep impaired drivers off the roads through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Get the Patch newsletter and alerts in your inbox.

Since it was launched in 1998, the program has provided rides for more than 24,000 impaired drivers, the program’s website reports. The service is offered in partnership with Budweiser. Tow To Go is offered based on availability, providing those who take part free towing within a 10-mile radius of the pickup location.

There are a few caveats with the program:

• Tow truck drivers can only take a maximum of two people and one vehicle home
• Advance appointments aren’t allowed as holiday revelers are advised to designate a driver and only use the towing service as a last resort
• In some situations, a cab might be required or law enforcement might need to be called in to assist in getting an intoxicated motorist home safely

To obtain a ride, call 855-286-9246. The service is also available for other holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving and New Year’s, among others.

Labor Day is the culmination of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. In Florida, the highway patrol intends to have a strong presence on roadways throughout the state.

“Impaired driving puts drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk, and each year it claims the lives of too many people,” Col. Gene S. Spaulding, Florida Highway Patrol’s director, said in announcing the enforcement effort earlier this month. “If you drink, be responsible and have a designated driver to get you to your destination safely. There is never an excuse for impaired driving.”

Motorists are considered impaired in Florida when they have blood alcohol content levels of .08 or higher. Underage drivers are considered impaired with BACs of .02 or higher. The patrol and other law enforcement agencies strongly urge motorists to designate a driver, use a ride service or simply to stay put if they drink too much to get behind the wheel.

To find out more, visit AAA online.

Image via Shutterstock