[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 49 (Monday, December 9, 1996)]
[Pages 2444-2445]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6960--National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, 
1996

November 27, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a scourge on our 
society that we cannot ignore or treat lightly. Drunk and drugged 
driving has no geographic limits; it is a problem that afflicts cities 
and rural areas alike in every region of our country. And, most 
disturbing of all, it is a growing problem--last year, alcohol-related 
traffic deaths increased for the first time in a decade. Each of us and 
our loved ones are at risk of becoming victims of a driver impaired by 
drugs or alcohol. However, we can solve this problem if we make a 
national commitment to do so.
    Two months ago, we charted a course that demands that those who 
drive must assume the responsibility of staying sober and drug-free 
behind the wheel. Targeting our youngest drivers first, we began by 
requiring, as a condition of receiving Federal highway funds, that every 
State pass a law making it illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with 
alcohol in their bloodstream.
    Now, we must take the next step toward ridding our highways of drunk 
drivers.
    Drivers between 21 and 34 years of age are most likely to drive 
under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering drugs. We must not 
only redouble our efforts to educate those in this age group about the 
terrible risks posed by drunk and drugged driving, but we must also 
strengthen our law enforcement efforts to make clear that this behavior 
will not be tolerated.
    Addressing impaired driving by teens and young adults is important 
but, unfortunately, is not enough to solve the problem. No age group is 
immune to the temptation to drive under the influence of alcohol or 
drugs. Through peer pressure and education, we must convince all who 
would get behind the wheel drunk or drugged to change their behavior.
    All of us can do our part to reduce the tragic loss of life and limb 
caused by drunk and drugged drivers. Parents can thoughtfully and 
candidly discuss the dangers with their children who drive; more States 
can pass Zero Tolerance laws; more citizens can prevent friends or 
acquaintances from getting behind the wheel while under the influence of 
drugs or alcohol; and more of us can volunteer to be ``designated 
drivers,'' pledged to abstain from alcohol when we are with others who 
might be drinking. By making clear that drunk and drugged driving is 
unacceptable and by resolving firmly to stop it, we can prevent 
thousands of tragic deaths and injuries each year.
    I ask all Americans to observe a special day of remembrance of the 
victims of drunk and drugged driving by participating this year in 
``National Lights on for Life Day.'' On Friday, December 20, I ask that 
drivers nationwide keep their headlights illuminated to call

[[Page 2445]]

attention to this threat to the health and safety of our citizens. And I 
ask that we rededicate ourselves as a Nation to preventing drunk and 
drugged driving in our communities.
    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 
1996 as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. I urge all 
Americans to recognize the dangers of impaired driving; to take 
responsibility for themselves and others around them; to stop anyone 
under the influence of alcohol or drugs from getting behind the wheel of 
a vehicle; and to help teach our young people about the lifesaving 
benefits of safe driving habits.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh 
day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-
six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two 
hundred and twenty-first.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 3, 
1996]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on December 2, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
December 4.