[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 8, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 64587-64588]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-29372]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 234 / Tuesday, December 8, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 64587]]


                Proclamation 8461 of December 2, 2009

                
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every day, people put themselves and their fellow 
                Americans in danger on our Nation's roadways when they 
                drive after consuming alcohol or after using legal and 
                illegal drugs. During this holiday season, we must all 
                be especially vigilant in protecting our families, 
                friends, and neighbors from drivers who are under the 
                influence of drugs or alcohol.

                Although we have succeeded in decreasing the number of 
                drunk drivers in recent years, we have seen a 
                disturbing increase in Americans driving under the 
                influence of drugs.

                Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs poses 
                the same risks as drunk driving, and we must do more to 
                stop this growing epidemic. Families, businesses, 
                community organizations, and faith-based groups can 
                promote substance abuse prevention as well as 
                alternative sources of transportation for those under 
                the influence of drugs or alcohol. Each of us can save 
                lives in our own communities by encouraging our fellow 
                citizens to drive responsibly.

                My Administration is working hard to prevent impaired 
                driving. The Department of Transportation's National 
                Highway Traffic Safety Administration is again 
                sponsoring the campaign known as ``Drunk Driving. Over 
                the Limit. Under Arrest.'' This effort involves 
                thousands of law enforcement agencies across America. 
                Police will expand their efforts during the high-risk 
                travel period between December 16, 2009, and January 3, 
                2010 to ensure that impaired drivers are stopped and 
                arrested.

                During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we 
                are reminded of the importance of driving free from the 
                influence of alcohol and drugs, and we renew our 
                commitment to preventing the senseless loss of life 
                that too often results from this irresponsible 
                behavior. By working together, we can make our Nation's 
                roadways safer for all Americans.

                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 2009 as 
                National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. I urge all 
                Americans to make responsible decisions and take 
                appropriate measures to prevent impaired driving.

[[Page 64588]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                second day of December, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-29372
Filed 12-7-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W0-P