Wine, eggnog and champagne are all hallmarks of the holiday party season, but getting behind the wheel after drinking can be a recipe for a disastrous holiday.
A new report cited by AAA found that unsafe driving behaviors increased last year compared to 2020. Thankfully, there are free ride options for people who want to avoid tragedies on roadways during the winter holidays.
One example is a reimbursement program offered by Lowenthal & Abrams Injury Attorneys of Philadelphia, Pa.
“It’s easy – all you need to do is call an Uber, Lyft, or taxi and send us the bill. We’ll reimburse you for rides in Philadelphia up to $30,” said the law firm in a blog post. There are some limits to the program – including a seven-day time period to provide relevant information – and a cap on reimbursements may apply.
Philadelphia also has a free public transit option on Fridays during the holiday season.
For people on the East Coast, Martin, Harding & Mazzotti Personal Injury Attorneys offer a free rideshare program in certain areas of New York state. Limits also apply to that program.
In Chicago, Ill., public transit providers Metra and the CTA will both offer free rides on New Year’s Eve night.
AAA is also offering free “Tow to Go” rides in 11 states, including Wisconsin and Indiana in the Fort Wayne/South Bend area. Other states include: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Colorado in the Denver area and North Carolina in the Charlotte area.
Anyone in those areas in need of a free ride from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Jan. 2 can call (855) 286-9246. AAA tow trucks will transport the vehicle and driver home or somewhere safe within 10 miles of their pickup spot.
“The goal of The Auto Club Group’s Tow to Go program is to prevent injuries and deaths caused by impaired drivers,” said AAA. “It reminds party-goers to plan ahead by choosing a designated driver, staying where they are celebrating, or arranging other safe transportation.”
Over the past two decades, more than 25,000 people have benefited from the program. Free, confidential rides are available to AAA Members and non-members and appointments cannot be scheduled in advance.
“It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead,” said AAA. “Always choose a designated driver before celebrating.”
In some situations, AAA may need to make other arrangements to get alcohol-impaired people to a safe destination. Additionally, the Tow to Go program may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year, a 10.5% increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020.
“We must be aware of the serious consequences of dangerous driving behaviors and change course,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
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