Melissa Donovan
As millions of Americans prepare to travel for Thanksgiving, AAA is reinstating its long-running “Tow to Go” program to help reduce impaired driving during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. The initiative will operate from 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, in select states across the country.
This year, holiday travel is expected to reach a historic high, with an estimated 81.8 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles from home. Nearly 90% of these travelers are opting to drive, prompting AAA to emphasize the importance of advance planning and responsible decision-making on the road.
Designed as a safety net for impaired drivers, “Tow to Go” provides a free and confidential ride and tow to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. The service is available to both AAA members and non-members, and is intended for use only when other transportation options—such as a designated driver or rideshare—are unavailable.
“Since holiday celebrations can lead to risky choices, AAA offers Tow to Go to prevent those choices from turning into tragedies,” Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group said in a press release. “If you find yourself without a safe ride, call AAA and we’ll help get you and your vehicle to a safe place.”
How the ‘Tow to Go’ Program Works
Availability: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26 to 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 2025
Phone Number: (855) 2-TOW-2-GO
Service Areas: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Colorado (Denver), North Carolina (Charlotte), Indiana (Fort Wayne and South Bend)
What’s Included: A free tow and safe ride home within 10 miles
Who Can Use It: Both AAA members and non-members
Important Note: The service cannot be booked in advance and is meant strictly as a last-resort option
Impaired driving remains a major safety concern nationwide. Nearly one-third of U.S. traffic fatalities involve alcohol impairment, and in 2023 alone, more than 12,000 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes—an average of one life lost every 42 minutes. Thanksgiving weekend is consistently one of the most hazardous holiday periods due to the combination of heavy traffic and alcohol-fueled celebrations.
AAA’s “Crashes Hit Different” public awareness campaign underscores the human impact behind traffic safety statistics. Each number represents a loved one whose life was permanently altered—reinforcing the urgency of prevention efforts like Tow to Go.
“AAA encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly by planning ahead,” Jenkins said. “Designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or stay overnight if needed. Together we can make this Thanksgiving a safe and joyful one for all.”
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