[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 234 (Wednesday, December 4, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 64245-64246]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-31029]


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                         Presidential Documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 234 / Wednesday, December 4, 1996 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 64245]]

                Proclamation 6960 of November 27, 1996

                
National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention 
                Month, 1996

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a 
                scourge on our society that we cannot ignore or treat 
                lightly. Drunk and drugged driving has no geographic 
                limits; it is a problem that afflicts cities and rural 
                areas alike in every region of our country. And, most 
                disturbing of all, it is a growing problem--last year, 
                alcohol-related traffic deaths increased for the first 
                time in a decade. Each of us and our loved ones are at 
                risk of becoming victims of a driver impaired by drugs 
                or alcohol. However, we can solve this problem if we 
                make a national commitment to do so.

                Two months ago, we charted a course that demands that 
                those who drive must assume the responsibility of 
                staying sober and drug-free behind the wheel. Targeting 
                our youngest drivers first, we began by requiring, as a 
                condition of receiving Federal highway funds, that 
                every State pass a law making it illegal for anyone 
                under 21 to drive with alcohol in their bloodstream.

                Now, we must take the next step toward ridding our 
                highways of drunk drivers.

                Drivers between 21 and 34 years of age are most likely 
                to drive under the influence of alcohol or other mind-
                altering drugs. We must not only redouble our efforts 
                to educate those in this age group about the terrible 
                risks posed by drunk and drugged driving, but we must 
                also strengthen our law enforcement efforts to make 
                clear that this behavior will not be tolerated.

                Addressing impaired driving by teens and young adults 
                is important but, unfortunately, is not enough to solve 
                the problem. No age group is immune to the temptation 
                to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
                Through peer pressure and education, we must convince 
                all who would get behind the wheel drunk or drugged to 
                change their behavior.

                All of us can do our part to reduce the tragic loss of 
                life and limb caused by drunk and drugged drivers. 
                Parents can thoughtfully and candidly discuss the 
                dangers with their children who drive; more States can 
                pass Zero Tolerance laws; more citizens can prevent 
                friends or acquaintances from getting behind the wheel 
                while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and more 
                of us can volunteer to be ``designated drivers,'' 
                pledged to abstain from alcohol when we are with others 
                who might be drinking. By making clear that drunk and 
                drugged driving is unacceptable and by resolving firmly 
                to stop it, we can prevent thousands of tragic deaths 
                and injuries each year.

                 I ask all Americans to observe a special day of 
                remembrance of the victims of drunk and drugged driving 
                by participating this year in ``National Lights on for 
                Life Day.'' On Friday, December 20, I ask that drivers 
                nationwide keep their headlights illuminated to call 
                attention to this threat to the health and safety of 
                our citizens. And I ask that we rededicate ourselves as 
                a Nation to preventing drunk and drugged driving in our 
                communities.

[[Page 64246]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim December 1996 as National 
                Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. I urge all 
                Americans to recognize the dangers of impaired driving; 
                to take responsibility for themselves and others around 
                them; to stop anyone under the influence of alcohol or 
                drugs from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle; and 
                to help teach our young people about the lifesaving 
                benefits of safe driving habits.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and twenty-first.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 96-31029
Filed 12-3-96; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P