[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 48 (Monday, December 4, 1995)]
[Pages 2090-2091]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6853--National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, 
1995

November 30, 1995

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    For many young Americans, learning to drive is a significant step 
along the road to maturity and independence. There are serious 
responsibilities that accompany getting a driver's license, and it is 
essential to teach our youth--and all Americans--the terrible risks of 
drunk and drugged driving. Males aged 21-34 are among those most likely 
to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and there is a 
critical need for additional prevention efforts aimed at this group.
    Alcohol use played a role in 16,600 motor vehicle-related fatalities 
last year--nearly 41 percent of all such deaths. While the number of 
these tragedies has declined significantly over the past decade, the 
statistics are still devastating. We must continue our campaign of 
public education, provide increased law enforcement, and seek tougher 
laws and penalties for offenders.

[[Page 2091]]

    Last June, I called on the Congress to make ``Zero Tolerance'' the 
law of the land and require States to adopt a Zero Tolerance standard 
for drivers under the age of 21. I am pleased that this provision was 
included in the ``National Highway System Designation Act of 1995,'' 
which I signed this week. It is already against the law for young people 
to consume alcohol, and Zero Tolerance creates a national standard that 
will make it effectively illegal for young people who have been drinking 
to drive an automobile.
    Many States have already enacted Zero Tolerance laws. These laws 
work--alcohol-related crashes involving teenage drivers are down as much 
as 20 percent in those States. When all States have these laws, hundreds 
more lives will be saved and thousands of injuries will be prevented. I 
commend the Congress for heeding my call and making Zero Tolerance the 
standard nationwide for drivers under the age of 21.
    I am also proud that citizens across the Nation are working to 
spread the word about the dangers of impaired driving. Vital 
partnerships have formed among Federal, State, and local government 
agencies, private businesses, and community groups. Last year, on 
December 15, many Americans observed ``Lights on for Life Day'' by 
driving with their headlights illuminated in remembrance of the victims 
of drunk and drugged driving. I hope that caring citizens will 
commemorate the same day this month, doing their part to help ensure a 
safe holiday season.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 
1995, as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. I urge all 
Americans to recognize the dangers of impaired driving; to take 
responsibility for themselves, their guests, and their passengers; to 
stop anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol from getting behind 
the wheel; and to help teach children safe driving behavior.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:40 p.m., November 30, 
1995]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 4.