[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9547 of November 30, 2016

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Driving drunk, drugged, or distracted poses a significant threat to
drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and all who share our roads. During
the holiday season, incidents of impaired driving occur more frequently,
and every December, we observe National Impaired Driving Prevention
Month to highlight steps we can take to improve safety on our streets
and raise awareness of these preventable dangers.
Recently, the number of traffic crash fatalities caused by impaired
driving has unfortunately increased--last year, preventable alcohol-
related driving fatalities accounted for nearly one-third of all traffic
fatalities. Consumption of alcohol by drivers, even those who are of
legal drinking age, is highly dangerous, and drug use, including
prescription drug use, can also harm judgment, perception, and the motor
skills used when driving. Distracted driving--including eating, tending
to passengers, and using a cell phone--can also be dangerous and is
equally preventable.
We can all do our part to keep our roads safe and prevent these
tragedies. As passengers, we can reduce our interactions with drivers
and lessen distractions. As friends and family members, we can look out
for loved ones who may be drinking and help them get home safely. And as
citizens, we can always call 911 to report any dangerous driving we
observe.
My Administration has worked to help Americans who struggle with
substance use disorders and substance misuse, which can lead to
incidents of drunk or drugged driving. We are also striving to give law
enforcement officers the resources and support they need to combat im-
paired driving, and we must encourage the development of technologies
like ignition interlock devices, which can prevent impaired individuals
from getting behind the wheel. Through the Drive Sober or Get Pulled
Over campaign, States and communities across our country are working to
increase road patrols and sobriety checkpoints, in addition to raising
awareness and improving education on the dangers of impaired driving.
You can learn more about what we are doing to prevent impaired driving
by visiting www.WhiteHouse.gov/ONDCP/DruggedDriving, www.NHTSA.gov/
DriveSober, and www.Distraction.gov.

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Whether encouraging parents to set a good example for their teen drivers
or educating every driver on the dangers of unsafe driving, we must
recommit to doing everything we can to prevent driving-related injuries
and fatalities. This month, let us continue empowering drivers to make
responsible decisions and educating the American people on ways they can
help keep our roads safe and our futures bright.

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 2016 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 sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.

BARACK OBAMA