While Independence Day celebrations are traditionally known for outdoor events, fireworks and family get-togethers, the iconic U.S. holiday has become notorious for crashes and fatalities on the road.In 2016, 188 people were killed in a crash involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher during the Independence Day holiday. This represents a 28 percent increase from the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“Celebrating our country’s independence is a wonderful tradition across our nation, but it’s important to remain responsible and safe throughout the holiday,” said Amy Stracke, managing director of traffic safety advocacy for AAA – The Auto Club Group and executive director of the Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation. “Everyone deserves to get home safely.”
To encourage those celebrating the holiday from getting behind the wheel impaired, AAA, its Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation and Budweiser are offering their free Tow to Go program. AAA predicts a record-breaking 46.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Independence Day, the highest number since AAA started its tracking 18 years ago.
“We encourage everyone who’s celebrating to plan ahead, make arrangements for safe transportation and avoid driving impaired at all costs,” said Megan Cooper, Tennessee Public Affairs Specialist, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “A good way to keep the Tow to Go number handy is to program it into your phone in advance so you don’t have to search for it later.”
For anyone who needs a safe ride home, Tow to Go is available from Tuesday, July 3, until 6 a.m. on Thursday, July 5. Tow to Go is available by calling (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.
