Every year we celebrate one of our nation’s most cherished assets on July 4^th Independence Day. This asset is our freedom; with freedom comes responsibility. As we gather with friends and family there may be alcoholic beverages involved. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reminds everyone that if they are attending a celebration where alcohol is served, make a plan to get home without drinking and driving. As a host planning a get-together, help your guests plan for a sober ride home.  “Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.”

A study released in 2017 from data collected from Geotab, a telemetric and GPS vehicle tracking company, showed that the road conditions on July 4^th are the most deadly of any holiday. On average July 4^th had an average of 119 deadly crashes over a 10-year period and a fatal crash rate of 14.9, making it the most dangerous day to drive in the U.S. 47 percent of these fatal crashes involved alcohol or incidents of DUI.

To prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel and risking the lives of other motorists, the AAA (American Automobile Association) started its Tow to Go holiday safety campaign.  Since its inception in 1998, according to AAA, the program has safely removed more than 25,000 impaired drivers from the roads across the Southeast and the Midwest. 

Tow to Go is provided in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Indiana (Fort Wayne and South Bend only). AAA tow trucks transport the vehicle and driver home or somewhere safe within 10 miles, and it is a free confidential ride available to both AAA members and non-members.

During the July 4^th, 2018 holiday period, Tow to Go is available from Tuesday, July 3^rd to 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 5^th.

Here are the Tow to Go guidelines:

• Tow trucks can usually transport up to two people. If there are more people in your party, you will need to make other arrangements to get them home safely.
• You can’t make an appointment to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those who did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before you have your first drink.
• In some situations, AAA may need to make other arrangements to get an impaired individual a safe ride home.
• Tow to Gomay not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions. 

AAA estimated in 2017 that 44.2 million people traveled at least 50 miles from home. This was a 2.9 percent increase over the previous year’s holiday record. 

“We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. wish everyone a safe and sober July 4^th holiday. This is a time for relaxation and good times as we spend time together enjoying our freedom. However, should you or a loved one be injured in an accident, we are available 24/7 to assist you,” said Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.