    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [December 28, 1996]
    [Pages 2236-2237]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 2236]]

    The President's Radio Address
    December 28, 1996

        As we approach the New Year, I hope all Americans will think about
    the blessings we share and our obligation to use those blessings wisely.
    The New Year is about opportunity, about renewed chances to make the
    most of our God-given potential. But as always, with opportunity comes
    responsibility; that is America's basic bargain.
        Today I want to talk about one of our greatest responsibilities,
    taking care to protect ourselves and our children. One of the most
    important places to do that is on the road. Especially at this time of
    year, too many people pose a threat to themselves and to others by
    drinking and driving. That's why I fought to make it illegal for all
    people under 21 to drive with any alcohol in their blood, and that is
    now the law in 34 of our States. We should use the privilege of a
    driver's license to demand responsibility when it comes to drugs by
    insisting that teens pass a drug test as a condition of getting a
    driver's license. Let's send a simple message to our children, our
    families, and our friends: Driving under the influence of drug or
    alcohol is wrong; it's illegal; it can kill.
        There's more we must do to meet the fundamental rules of safety. We
    must all wear seatbelts, which are the first line of defense against
    injuries and fatalities, saving 10,000 lives last year alone. We must
    use child safety seats for small children and always keep children 12
    and under buckled up in the back seat, where they are safest. And we
    must all learn about the proper use of airbags, one of our most
    important safety tools.
        In recent months, some concerns have been raised about airbags. But
    this much is clear: Airbags do save lives, almost 1,700 since their
    introduction. At the same time, airbags inflate with considerable force
    and can pose risks to children sitting unbuckled in the front passenger
    seat, instead of buckled up in the back seat where they belong. That's
    why our Department of Transportation is working with auto and insurance
    companies, safety groups, and parents and families to make airbags safer
    for children, so that together with seatbelts and other safety measures,
    they do provide the full protection our families need.
        Researchers are now developing a new generation of ``smart''
    airbags, which will determine the size of the passenger and inflate just
    enough to protect them without hurting them. But while we wait for this
    new technology, there are steps we can take now to protect our children.
        This November our administration's Department of Transportation
    announced we would soon propose a series of short-term steps to make
    airbags safer for kids. Right away, we required better and more visible
    warning labels in cars and on child safety seats, so that no one forgets
    to keep small children buckled up in the back seat.
        Today I am pleased to announce we are sending forward three
    additional proposals to protect our children, as outlined last month by
    the Department of Transportation. First, under these new rules, auto
    manufacturers will be able to install less powerful airbags, to reduce
    the risk to children and to smaller and older adults. Second, car
    dealers will be able to deactivate the airbags of any owner who requests
    it, as long as the owner understands the risk of doing so. For both of
    these measures, we will begin taking public comment next week, and they
    could take effect as early as this spring. Finally, effective
    immediately, we are extending a rule that lets manufacturers install
    cut-off switches in cars that don't have back seats or room for child
    safety seats. Those who cannot buckle a child safely in the back seat
    will be able to switch off the airbag while the child rides in the
    front.
        Of course, airbags have always been just part of the solutions. In
    rear or side collisions, airbags are not even meant to inflate. That's
    why we must always wear our seatbelts: it protects us in all kinds of
    collisions. If there is one thing we can do to save thousands of
    American lives, it is to increase seatbelt use nationwide. Today I am
    directing the Secretary of Transportation to work with the Congress, the
    States, and other concerned Americans to report back to me with a plan
    to do just that.
        The steps we are taking will make our roads safer and our children
    more secure. We are making airbags safer for our children. We are
    working to increase the use of seatbelts nationwide. And we are
    demanding the responsibility

    [[Page 2237]]

    that comes with the privilege of driving. That's the way to ensure that
    families go for a drive with safety, security, and peace of mind. If
    we'll all just take that responsibility, both on and off the road, if we
    all do our share to protect our children and our families and meet our
    obligations to each other, we will be able to seize the remarkable
    opportunities that this New Year will bring.
        In this season of renewal, let us resolve to seize that opportunity
    and to rise to that responsibility, to make the most of 1997. Hillary
    and I are very grateful we've had the chance to serve in this last year;
    we're very grateful for all the American people have done for our family
    in this past year. We wish you and your families a happy New Year, and
    we look forward to working with you in the years ahead to meet our
    challenges and make our Nation a stronger, safer place for all
    Americans.
        Thanks for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 10:41 a.m. on December 27 in the
    Roosevelt Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on
    December 28.