[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 131, 115th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9679 of November 30, 2017

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2017

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On average, every 50 minutes, a person in the United States dies in a
vehicle crash involving alcohol. We have seen too many lives cut short
by impaired driving, and too many drivers continue to put themselves and
others at risk every day. During National Impaired Driving Prevention
Month, we reemphasize that impaired driving is never acceptable. We
recognize that we can eliminate impaired driving through our choices,
and we pledge to make the right choice by driving sober.
Forty years ago, alcohol was a factor in almost two-thirds of all
traffic fatalities. Through the tireless efforts of States, communities,
and advocacy organizations, we have made tremendous progress in reducing
impaired driving and protecting the American people. Unfortunately, for
the second consecutive year, we have seen an increase in the number of
alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities on America's roadways. In 2016, more
than 10,000 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes, accounting for 28
percent of all traffic fatalities. We must reverse this trend.
Drinking and driving affects all Americans. In 2012, 4.2 million adults
reported having driven at least once within a 30-day span while impaired
by alcohol. Driving while impaired, even after one drink, can
dramatically change the lives of drivers, passengers, innocent
bystanders, and their loved ones. My Administration is committed to
raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and to
eliminating it from our communities. Additionally, by reducing hundreds
of harmful regulations, we are supporting our innovative American
companies as they create new technology that can help us address
impaired driving, from ride-hailing services to advanced vehicle
technology. My Administration is also providing vital resources to law
enforcement to support their efforts to keep our surroundings safe.
Ultimately, the responsibility for preventing impaired driving lies with
each of us. We care for our loved ones when we keep them safe and
prevent them taking the wheel after drinking alcohol. By taking action
to educate our fellow Americans, through coordinated efforts with
family, friends, neighbors, schools, churches, and community
organizations, we can reduce deaths and accidents arising from impaired
driving.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 2017 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 seventeen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
second.
DONALD J. TRUMP