[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 6, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 76023-76024]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31416]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 234 / Tuesday, December 6, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 76023]]


                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 
                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

[[Page 76024]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-31416
Filed 12-5-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P