[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8461--DEC. 2, 2009

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

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Americans to make responsible decisions and take appropriate measures to
prevent impaired driving.
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.
BARACK OBAMA