AAA is working to help stranded motorists while also keeping impaired drivers off the road this holiday season. The Auto Club Group has activated its Tow to Go program in Tennessee.
“If you’re faced with the decision of driving impaired, put down those keys and pick up the phone to call Tow to Go,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA will then send a truck to take you and your vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.”
It’s important to note, AAA service technicians expect to respond to calls from more than 860,000 drivers with car trouble during the holidays. So, treat Tow to Go as a last resort. Plan for a safe ride home by identifying a designated driver or ride sharing service before you party.
Tow to Go is active from until 6 a.m. Thursday, January 2nd.
For service, call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.
The Auto Club Group has provided the Tow to Go program for more than 25 years. Since its inception, Tow to Go has removed more than 30,000 impaired drivers from the roadway.
‘Tow to Go’ Guidelines
Free and available to AAA members and non-members.
Confidential local ride for one person and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.
Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating.
In some situations, AAA may need to make other arrangements to get an impaired individual a safe ride home.
Tow to Go may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) announced that 91 of Tennessee’s 95 counties reported unemployment rates of less than 5% for November, with unemployment rates decreasing in 17 counties including Cannon County..
Moore and Williamson counties recorded the state’s lowest unemployment rates for November at 2.6%. Those counties also reported rates of 2.6% in October.
Sevier County had the state’s next-lowest unemployment rate for the month. At 2.7%, the rate was one-tenth of a percentage point higher than in October.
The unemployment rate for Cannon County improved by one tenth of a percentage point moving to 3.3 percent in November from 3.4 percent in October. Cannon’s work force of 7,066 persons reflects 6,834 persons employed. For November 232 persons in the county are looking for work.
Unicoi County in Northeast Tennessee recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate for November at 6%. That was a two-tenths of a percentage point increase over its October rate of 5.8%.
Bledsoe County followed with a rate for November at 5.4%. Bledsoe’s rate in October was 5.1%.
McNairy County reported the third-highest rate for the month at 5.3%, an uptick of one-tenth of a percentage point over its October rate.
The unemployment rate in Weakley County — which reported the highest rate in Tennessee in October — dropped 2 full percentage points in November to 3.9%.
Unemployment rates remained the same in 30 counties, while rates in 48 counties increased from October to November.
Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5% in November. That rate was up two-tenths of a percentage point over the previous month but is still seven-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate of 4.2%.
Unlike the statewide rate, county rates are not adjusted to account for seasonal impacts on employment.
TDLWD has compiled an analysis of county unemployment data. That report is available here.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) is proud to announce that 5,477 acres in Fayette County will become the state’s 16th state forest. The property, which will be named Wolf River State Forest, will open to visitors in 2025.
“We are thrilled to add Wolf River State Forest to our state forest system and are grateful for the support and partnerships that made this acquisition possible,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “This property holds great historical, cultural, and archeological significance, as well as long-term forest research plots, and exceptional hardwood forestland. Under our management, we will keep this forest as a forest, conserve and steward its extensive natural and cultural resources, facilitate the continuation of research and conservation education at the site, and support the local wood products industry.”
TDF is currently surveying the property, installing signage, and preparing to welcome the public to the new state forest early next year with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The land, which is located along the Wolf River, is a portion of the historical Ames Plantation, a property located about 60 miles east of Memphis. It was established by Hobart Ames, a wealthy industrialist, in the early 1900s. After he passed, his wife created the Hobart Ames Foundation to benefit the University of Tennessee’s (UT) scientific research programs and the National Championship for Bird Dogs.
The portion of Ames Plantation that will become Wolf River State Forest includes one of the finest examples of bottomland hardwood forests in the state, including white oak stands that provide significant aid to white oak restoration and sustainability efforts. TDF will also conserve more than 30 miles of streams and riparian habitat and 1,560 acres of wetlands in the new state forest, helping to ensure water quality for Memphis drinking water, fisheries, and others downstream.
In addition to the natural resources on the forest, the tract contains 45 state-registered historical sites. Rhodes College and the Hobart Ames Foundation have invested in expanding historical knowledge of slavery at Ames, identifying more than 800 enslaved people who lived and worked on the property and documenting their cemeteries and remnants of dwellings. Rhodes College, UT, and the Hobart Ames Foundation will continue to collaborate with those descendants to identify enslaved ancestors.
Finally, the new state forest will provide new public access for passive outdoor recreation activities in the area like hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, and fishing.
TDF advanced this project in partnership with The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit organization that works to protect natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas, and working forests and farms across the United States. The Conservation Fund has partnered with TDF and numerous other state agencies over the years to protect more than 300,000 acres of Tennessee’s land and water.
“We are pleased we were able to facilitate the acquisition of the Ames property and work with the state to permanently protect it,” The Conservation Fund’s Tennessee State Director Zachary Lesch-Huie said. “The property has tremendous environmental, economic, scientific, and cultural value. Protecting it as a state forest will ensure it keeps delivering that value for the people of West Tennessee.”
Funding for the purchase was made possible with grant funds from the USDA Forest Service Forest Legacy Program (FLP), supported by Tennessee’s federal Congressional delegation. Matching funds were provided from TWRA’s Wetlands Funds, the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, The Conservation Fund, and the seller. FLP is a working forest conservation program administered by the USDA Forest Service in partnership with TDF to protect privately-owned forest lands from conversion to non-forest uses through conservation easements or land purchases. With the acquisition of the Wolf River State Forest, the area conserved under the Tennessee FLP is close to 60,000 acres.
Tennesseans are expected to travel in near-record numbers for the year-end holiday period (from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1). AAA predicts 2.7 million Tennesseans will travel 50 miles or more from home. That’s over 62,000 more travelers than last year and 62,000 travelers shy of the record high, set in 2019.
Nationwide, AAA expects 3 million more travelers than last year. An estimated, 119.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more. This narrowly surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by 64,000 travelers.
“Travelers should expect the roads, airports and cruise terminals to be more crowded than normal,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “So, finalize your travel plans now and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. We also suggest travel insurance, which provides assistance in the event winter weather or something unexpected interferes with your plans.”
Factors influencing this year’s travel forecast:
Travel volume is being driven by consumer spending as inflation continues to moderate.
Strong employment continues to drive rising wages and with inflation leveling off, consumers are expected to spend nearly 5% more than last year as incomes rise at a similar level.
Economic growth continues to remain steady, with Q4 real GDP growth expected at 2.0% in Q4 compared to last year.
Tennessee Year-End Holiday Travelers
Total
Auto
Air
Other
2024
2.77 million
2.58 million
75,373
117,875
2023
2.71 million
2.52 million
72,168
110,798
2022
2.63 million
2.46 million
71,231
98,170
National Year-End Holiday Travelers
Total
Auto
Air
Other
2024
119 million
107 million
7.85 million
4.5 million
2023
116 million
104.5 million
7.5 million
4.1 million
2022
112 million
101.5 million
7.2 million
3.6 million
Year-End Travelers by Mode
By Car: AAA expects 2.5 million more people on the roads this year. Nationwide, an estimated 107 million will take a road trip of 50 miles or more. That’s just shy of the record of 108 million road travelers – set in 2019.
Road travel is expected to be the second-highest on record in Tennessee. More than 2.5 million Tennesseans are forecast to take a road trip. That’s 52,000 more Tennessee road trippers than last year. 93% of holiday travelers will drive to their destinations, making it the most popular way to travel.
“Many travelers, particularly families with young children, prefer the flexibility and lower cost that road trips provide,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Gas demand in December goes down as the weather gets colder, more people work remotely, and holiday shoppers purchase their gifts online versus in person.”
Gas prices are expected to be cheaper than last year’s levels. During the last two weeks of 2023, Tennessee gas prices averaged $2.78 per gallon. During that time, the state average ranged from $2.75 per gallon to a high of $2.82/g. Currently, Tennessee drivers are currently paying $2.65 per gallon. To view updated national, state, and metro area gas price averages, visit GasPrices.AAA.com.
AAA car rental partner Hertz says Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oahu, Orlando, Phoenix, and Tampa are the cities displaying the highest rental demand for the holidays. The busiest car pick-up days are expected to be Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21. The busiest time for rental returns is expected to be the weekend and Monday after Christmas. The average length of rental is one week.
By Air: Nationally,AAA expects air travel to set a new record this holiday season. Nearly 7.9 million Americans are forecast to take at least one domestic flight. That number surpasses the previous record of 7.5 million air travelers last year. AAA booking data shows flights are 4% more expensivethis holiday season compared to last year. The average domestic ticket is $830. International flights are 13% more expensive, averaging $1,630 a ticket.
By Other Modes: The number of Americans traveling by bus, train, and cruise this holiday season is up nearly 10% compared to last year. AAA expects 4.47 million people will travel by other modes. That number is the highest it’s been in 20 years. Cruise bookings out of domestic ports are up 37% compared to last holiday season. Cruising is popular this time of year as many families enjoy celebrating the holidays aboard a ship full of activities and food.
AAA’s Road Trip Safety Tips
With an additional 2.5 million travelers expected on the roads, AAA urges drivers to prioritize safety with the following tips:
Follow Posted Speed Limits: While it’s tempting to speed to save time, the facts don’t support it. Even minor increases in speed can make crashes deadly.
Driving 80 mph instead of 75 mph over 100 miles saves only 5 minutes, hardly worth the risk.
Speeding may feel faster but often leads to tragedy.
Drive Only When Alert and Refreshed: Driving on 4-5 hours of sleep is as dangerous as driving with a 0.08 BAC (legal intoxication). Less than 4 hours of sleep? The risk doubles.
Travel during hours you’re normally awake and avoid overnight drives.
Steer clear of heavy meals, drowsy medications, and alcohol.
For long trips, take breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles. Use these breaks to switch drivers if possible, or park at a safe location and nap for 20-30 minutes to recharge.
Slow Down, Move Over: A roadside worker is killed every other week in the U.S. To help prevent these tragedies, AAA asks drivers to Slow Down, Move Over.
When you see an emergency responder on the side of the road assisting a stranded driver, reduce your speed.
If possible, change lanes to give those crews room to do their jobs safely.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have Move Over laws in place.
Tennessee employers added 56,000 nonfarm jobs over the past year, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November was 3.5%, a figure well below the national unemployment rate despite an increase of two-tenths of a percentage point over October’s rate. Tennessee’s unemployment rate was also 3.5% in November 2023.
Earlier this year, Tennessee reported a record-low unemployment rate of 3% for three months in a row.
Between October and November 2024, total nonfarm employment across the state increased by 6,300 jobs. The health care and social assistance sector accounted for the biggest gains, followed by the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, and local government.
Tennessee has added 56,000 nonfarm jobs since November 2023, the highest year-over-year jump in 2024. The largest increase was in the health care and social assistance sector. The professional, scientific, and technical services sector and the retail trade sector accounted for the next-largest increases.
TDLWD’s analysis of the November 2024 unemployment data is available here.
Tennessee’s rate is still seven-tenths of a percentage point below the national rate of 4.2%. The U.S. rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point over its October rate and is half of a percentage point higher than a year ago.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned employee seeking new opportunities, American Job Centers (AJCs) offer several free services to meet your employment needs. Career specialists work one-on-one with job seekers to help them find employment, training, and programs that can help remove any barriers keeping them from advancing in the workforce.
AJCs also offer free access to computers, and job seekers can attend on-site recruiting events and workshops on resume writing and interview skills. Find the nearest AJC with this interactive map.
The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) has announced results from its annual roadside observational survey to determine the state’s average seat belt usage rate. This survey returned a statewide usage rate of 92.2 percent. The 2024 usage rate represents an increase of approximately 0.2 percent compared to Tennessee’s 2023 survey result of 92.0 percent. The 2024 survey result is Tennessee’s highest annual seat belt usage rate to date.
“For the second year in a row, Tennessee achieved its highest seat belt usage rate on record,” said THSO Director Buddy Lewis. “We appreciate all of our traffic safety partners for prioritizing occupant protection, spreading awareness, and engaging local communities. We look forward to continuing these partnerships as we work to reduce serious injuries and traffic fatalities.”
Every year, the THSO works to increase the state’s seat belt usage rate by collaborating with state and local partners through THSO grant-funded programs like Ollie Otter, Reduce TN Crashes, Rule the Road, and Tennessee’s Occupant Protection Coalition. The THSO also promotes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign, reminding citizens to buckle up.
Highlights from Tennessee’s 2024 seat belt survey:
Research data was collected at 190 pre-identified roadway locations across Tennessee.
Researchers observed almost 29,000 vehicle occupants.
Vehicles observed included passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs.
The highest usage rate was observed among occupants in sport utility vehicles (96.3 percent).
The lowest usage rate was observed among occupants in pickup trucks (84.6 percent).
Female occupants were observed to have a higher usage rate (96.2 percent) than males (89.2 percent).
Front-seat passengers were observed to have a higher usage rate (92.3 percent) than drivers (92.1 percent).
County-level usage rates exceeded 90 percent in 14 of 16 counties included in the survey’s sample.
McMinn County had the highest usage rate (97 percent) among sampled counties.
The 2024 survey captured Tennessee’s all-time high average seat belt usage rate for the second year in a row.
This data was collected through an annual roadside observational survey conducted by the University of Tennessee’s Center for Transportation Research in accordance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Uniform Criteria for State Observational Surveys of Seat Belt Use.
Special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have obtained an indictment charging a McMinnville man in connection to an ongoing shooting investigation. On November 21st, agents began investigating the incident involving 31st Judicial District Attorney General Christopher Robert Stanford. The investigation revealed that, during the pursuit of a wanted fugitive, Stanford fired a gun several times on Bell Street in Smithville, striking a home occupied by a woman and her three children. Today, the DeKalb County Grand Jury returned an indictment, charging Stanford with one count of Reckless Endangerment. He later surrendered to authorities at the DeKalb County Jail, from which authorities released him after he posted $10,000 bond. The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
The Tennessee Department of Health shared locations across all 95 counties where Tennesseans can receive a free flu vaccine to protect themselves against getting or spreading the virus. All County Health Departments in Tennessee are providing flu vaccines for free to the public with hours and location information at health.tn.gov/local.
The local office is the Cannon County Health Department located at 106 Alexander Drive in Woodbury. Their phone number is 615-563-4243.
“During flu prevention season, the Tennessee Department of Health is making all Tennesseans aware of locations where they can receive a free flu shot to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors,’’ TDH Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP said. “We thank County Health Departments for making this service available to individuals and families across the Volunteer State.”
All Tennesseans, six months and older, are eligible to get the flu vaccine. During the 2023 to 2024 flu season, 34-million-to-75-million illnesses and 17,000-to-100,000 deaths were estimated to have occurred nationally. Many illnesses and deaths could be prevented through increased flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is safe and effective and can protect against the most common types of circulating flu viruses, and the flu’s worst symptoms.
It’s important to avoid close contact with those who are sick with the flu. If you become sick, limit contact with others as much as possible and stay at home. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, or with your arm at the elbow, when you cough or sneeze.
If you do get the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs as treatment. Antivirals can make flu symptoms milder and shorten the time someone is sick with the flu. Antivirals are not available as an over-the-counter flu treatment and should be taken only as prescribed by a physician or health care provider. Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe and include muscle aches, fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, headaches, and stuffy or runny noses.
For more information on the importance of getting a flu shot, contact a local health department near you.
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to Protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.
AA is reminding Tennesseans to properly secure and safely transport their real Christmas trees, as many families are visiting tree lots and farms across the state in search of the perfect one.
AAA research has found that many consumers do not properly secure their tree when transporting it to its final destination. Nearly one in five real Christmas tree buyers reported previously having a tree fall off or out of their vehicle when trying to get it home.
“Our roadways are dangerous enough during the holiday season with increased congestion and winter weather conditions – and that’s without the possibility of flying Christmas trees,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If not properly secured, trees can become dangerous projectiles that create hazardous conditions for all drivers on the roadway.”
The Potential Automotive Cost of Real Christmas Tree Mishaps
An improperly secured real Christmas tree can cost drivers as much as $1,500 in automotive repairs, including:
Surface scratches – $100 to $150
Replacement of rubber seals on two doors – $220 to $550 (seal costs vary widely with the vehicle make and model)
Repaint a severely scratched roof – $500 to $1,500 (paint color, finish type, prep work, paint blending with adjacent panels and other factors affect this cost)
AAA offers the following tips to transport a real Christmas tree home safely:
Plan Ahead – Before heading out to buy a real Christmas tree, make sure to bring strong rope or ratchet straps, an old blanket, gloves and of course – the right vehicle. One with a roof rack is ideal, but a pickup truck, SUV, van or minivan can work just as well.
Wrap & Cover It – Once you’ve found the perfect tree, have the lot wrap it in netting before loading it. Loose branches can be secured with rope or twine to help protect the tree from damage. Prior to loading the tree, cover the roof with an old blanket to prevent scratches to the paint and protect the car from any damage.
Trunk First – Place the tree on the roof rack or in the bed of the truck with the trunk facing the front of the car. If the vehicle does not have a roof rack and is large enough – place the tree inside.
Secure It – Tie down the tree at its bottom, center and top using strong rope or nylon ratchet straps. Avoid using the nylon offered by many tree lots. Use fixed vehicle tie-down points and loop the rope or strap around the tree trunk above a branch to prevent any side-to-side or front-to-rear movement.
Tug Test – Once tied down, give the tree several strong tugs from various angles to make sure it is secured in place and will not come loose.
Nice & Easy – Drive slowly and take back roads if possible. Higher speeds can create significant airflow that can damage your tree or challenge even the best tie-down methods.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has announced that the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for all Tennessee students. The U.S. Department of Education has officially released the new form, marking a significant milestone in the financial aid process for prospective college students.
The FAFSA opens the door to state and federal scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid that can kick-start college and career success. The 2025-26 application is available for current and prospective students applying for financial assistance for the 2025-26 academic year.
“We encourage all students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, Executive Director of THEC. “Filling out the FAFSA unlocks financial opportunities that make higher education attainable, empowering Tennesseans to achieve their goals while strengthening our workforce and communities.”
The FAFSA can be accessed online at www.fafsa.gov. Students should gather their financial documents, such as tax returns and W-2 forms, prior to completing the application process. The earlier the FAFSA is submitted, the better the chances of securing maximum financial aid, including state and federal grants.
To assist in navigating the FAFSA process, THEC has curated a number of resources for students at CollegeforTN.org to support Tennessee’s FAFSA completion efforts. Student resources include step-by-step FAFSA-filing instructions and videos.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission is committed to helping students and families navigate the financial aid process. For additional information, resources, and support, visit CollegeForTN.org.
