[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 49 (Monday, December 11, 2000)]
[Pages 2976-2977]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7384--National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, 
2000

 December 4, 2000

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Driving is an integral part of American culture and daily living; 
but it is also a privilege that carries great responsibility. To protect 
ourselves and others, we must always be safe, sober, and drug-free 
behind the wheel.
    As a Nation, we have made steady progress in reducing alcohol-
related deaths through stronger laws, tougher enforcement, and increased 
public awareness. Last year, alcohol-

[[Page 2977]]

related traffic fatalities reached a historic low. But even one death is 
still one too many; that is why I was pleased to sign into law this 
October a nationwide impaired-driving standard of .08 blood alcohol 
content (BAC). Once all 50 States set their BAC limits to .08, we can 
save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of injuries each year on 
America's streets and highways.
    There are other measures we are taking to reduce the incidence of 
drunk driving. Last December, the Department of Transportation unveiled 
the ``You Drink and Drive. You Lose.'' campaign, an effort to promote 
greater public awareness of the dangers of impaired driving. In just 1 
year, hundreds of communities and law enforcement agencies have joined 
the campaign, helping to reach nearly 100 million Americans with this 
simple but lifesaving message.
    In memory of the thousands of victims who have lost their lives to 
alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers, I ask all motorists to participate 
in ``National Lights On for Life Day'' on December 15, 2000, by driving 
with their vehicle headlights illuminated. By doing so, we will call 
attention to this devastating national problem and remind others on the 
road of their responsibility to drive sober and drug-free.
    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 
2000 as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. I urge all 
Americans to acknowledge the dangers of impaired driving, to make the 
right choice by designating a sober driver, to prevent impaired family 
members and friends from getting behind the wheel, and to help teach our 
young drivers the importance of alcohol- and drug-free driving. I also 
call on all State, county, and local leaders to make safety a top 
priority and to work together to make our Nation's transportation system 
the safest it can be.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of 
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
                                            William J. Clinton

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 6, 
2000]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 7.