[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8761 of November 30, 2011

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Though we have made progress in the fight to reduce drunk driving, our
Nation continues to suffer an unacceptable loss of life from traffic
accidents that involve drugs, alcohol, and distracted driving. To bring
an end to these heartbreaking outcomes, we must take action by promoting
rigorous enforcement measures and effective substance abuse prevention
programs. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit
to preventing tragedy before it strikes by ensuring our family members
and friends stay safe, sober, and drug-free on the road.
As we strive to reduce the damage drug use inflicts upon our
communities, we must address the serious and growing threat drunk,
drugged, and distracted driving poses to all Americans. Alcohol and
drugs, both illicit and prescribed, can impair judgment, reaction time,
motor skills, and memory, eroding a person's ability to drive safely and
responsibly. Distracted driving, including the use of electronic
equipment behind the wheel, can also put lives at risk. To confront
these issues, my Administration is working to decrease the incidence of
drugged driving by 10 percent over the next 5 years as part of our 2011
National Drug Control Strategy. We are collaborating with State and
local governments to bolster enforcement efforts, implement more
effective legislation, and support successful, evidence-based prevention
programs. These ongoing initiatives are supplemented by our Drive Sober
or Get Pulled Over campaign, which aims to deter impaired driving during
the holiday season.
While enforcement and legislation are critical elements of our strategy,
we know that the parents, educators, and community leaders who work with
young people every day are our Nation's best advocates for responsible
decisionmaking. Research suggests that younger drivers are particularly
susceptible to the hazards of drugged driving. To help our families and
communities build awareness about impaired driving, my Administration
released a toolkit that includes information about

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drugged driving, discussion guides, and tip sheets for preventing
driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. These materials are
available with a variety of other resources at: www.TheAntiDrug.com.
All of us have the power to effect change and work to end drunk,
drugged, and distracted driving in America. In our homes and
communities, we can engage our youth and discuss the consequences of
drug and alcohol abuse. In our clinics and hospitals, health care
providers can redouble their efforts to recognize patients with
substance abuse problems and offer medical intervention. And in
governing bodies across our country, State and local officials can
explore new legal actions that will hold drugged drivers accountable and
encourage them to seek treatment. As we come together with our loved
ones this holiday season, let us renew our commitment to drive safely,
act responsibly, and live drug-free.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 2011 as
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. I urge all Americans to make
responsible decisions and take appropriate measures to prevent impaired
driving.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA