[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 233 (Tuesday, December 6, 2022)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 74489-74490]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26605]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 6, 2022 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 74489]]


                Proclamation 10501 of November 30, 2022

                
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2022

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we 
                recommit to stopping avoidable traffic deaths and 
                keeping America's roadways safe by driving sober, 
                raising awareness, helping each other get home, and 
                supporting fellow Americans who are struggling with 
                substance use.

                Over 10,000 American lives are lost to drunk and drug-
                impaired driving each year, accounting for nearly a 
                third of all traffic deaths. In 2019, some 11 percent 
                of Americans drove under the influence, including a 
                staggering 19.6 percent of people aged 21-25--and that 
                number has only grown since the COVID-19 pandemic 
                began. Far too many families are left getting that gut-
                wrenching phone call after an accident--their worlds 
                changed forever. Far too many passengers and 
                pedestrians see their lives destroyed by someone else's 
                bad decision, and far too many law enforcement officers 
                put themselves at risk to keep impaired drivers off our 
                roads. We owe it to them all to do everything we can to 
                prevent future tragedies. That starts by working to 
                reduce substance use disorders, raising awareness of 
                the dangers of impaired driving; and investing in 
                technologies that can help prevent crashes, injuries, 
                and deaths.

                At the same time, we are promoting life-saving tools 
                that can keep people from driving under the influence. 
                The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for example, 
                provides funds for States to develop new technologies 
                that can detect and prevent drunk and drug-impaired 
                driving. It also requires all new passenger motor 
                vehicles to be equipped with crash-averting features, 
                like automatic emergency braking and collision 
                warnings. The Department of Transportation is also 
                partnering with State and local agencies and non-
                profits to educate the public through its Drive Sober 
                or Get Pulled Over and If You Feel Different, You Drive 
                Different media campaigns. We can all raise awareness 
                within our own communities.

                Starting with the American Rescue Plan, my 
                Administration has secured billions of dollars to 
                expand access to substance use services. We distributed 
                $1.5 billion to fight the opioid epidemic this fall. We 
                have asked the Congress for $24 billion more to fund 
                prevention, treatment, and recovery programs across the 
                country, especially in underserved communities. We are 
                also asking the Congress for $18 billion to reduce the 
                supply of illicit substances entering our country to 
                help keep communities safe. And we are working to help 
                end the stigma around addiction so more people feel 
                free to seek the help they need.

                During this holiday season especially, let us remember 
                all those we have lost to impaired driving and take 
                simple steps to save lives. I encourage every American 
                to plan ahead how you will get home after drinking and 
                to be sure that if you have used any substance you 
                never get behind the wheel. Ride-share apps make it 
                easier than ever to stay safe. And whenever you see 
                loved ones or colleagues putting themselves or others 
                at risk, step up to offer a hand. Lives depend on it.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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 2022

[[Page 74490]]

                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 twenty-two, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                seventh.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2022-26605
Filed 12-5-22; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3395-F3-P