[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 7, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 75845-75846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-30802]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 234 / Tuesday, December 7, 2010 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 75845]]

                Proclamation 8610 of December 1, 2010

                
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2010

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every day, millions of Americans travel on our Nation's 
                roadways. Thousands of these drivers and passengers 
                tragically lose their lives each year because of drunk, 
                drugged, or distracted driving. During National 
                Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit to 
                preventing the loss of life by practicing safe driving 
                practices and reminding others to be sober, drug-free, 
                and safe on the road.

                Impaired driving and its consequences can seriously 
                alter or even destroy lives and property in a moment. 
                This reckless behavior not only includes drunk driving, 
                but also the growing problem of drugged driving. Drugs, 
                including those prescribed by a physician, can impair 
                judgment and motor skills. It is critical that we 
                encourage our young people and fellow citizens to make 
                responsible decisions when driving or riding as a 
                passenger, especially if drug use is apparent.

                This National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we 
                must also draw attention to the dangers of distracted 
                driving, including using electronic equipment or 
                texting while behind the wheel of a vehicle. When 
                people take their attention away from the road to 
                answer a call, respond to a message, or use a device, 
                they put themselves and others at risk. Distracted 
                driving is a serious, life-threatening practice, and I 
                encourage everyone to visit Distraction.gov to learn 
                how to prevent distracted driving.

                My Administration is dedicated to strengthening efforts 
                against drunk, drugged, and distracted driving. To lead 
                by example, we have implemented a nationwide ban 
                prohibiting Federal employees from texting while 
                driving on Government business or when using a 
                Government device. This holiday season, the United 
                States Department of Transportation's National Highway 
                Traffic Safety Administration is also sponsoring the 
                campaign, ``Drunk Driving: Over the Limit. Under 
                Arrest.'' Thousands of police departments and law 
                enforcement agencies across the Nation will redouble 
                their efforts to ensure impaired drivers are detected 
                and appropriate action is taken. Additionally, the 
                Office of National Drug Control Policy is working with 
                Federal agencies to raise public awareness about the 
                high prevalence of drugged driving in our country, and 
                to provide resources for parents of new drivers about 
                how to talk to their children about drugs.

                As responsible citizens, we must not wait until tragedy 
                strikes, and we must take an active role in preventing 
                debilitated driving. Individuals, families, businesses, 
                community organizations, drug-free coalitions, and 
                faith-based groups can promote substance abuse 
                prevention and encourage alternative sources of 
                transportation. By working together, we can help save 
                countless lives and make America's roadways safer for 
                all.

                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 2010 as 
                National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. I urge all 
                Americans to make responsible decisions and take 
                appropriate measures to prevent impaired driving.

[[Page 75846]]

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

[FR Doc. 2010-30802
Filed 12-6-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P