[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 47 (Monday, November 28, 2005)]
[Pages 1765-1766]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7965--National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, 
2005

 November 22, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, we renew 
our efforts to educate all Americans about the tragic consequences of 
impaired driving and encourage all Americans to drive responsibly.
    Every year, too many of our citizens get behind the wheel of an 
automobile after drinking alcohol or using drugs. This puts drivers, 
passengers, and others on the road at risk. Last year alone, drunk 
driving killed more than 16,000 people and accounted for more than 30 
percent of all motor vehicle deaths.
    My Administration remains committed to saving lives and preventing 
injuries resulting from drunk and drugged driving. The Department of 
Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration oversees 
the ``You Drink & Drive. You Lose.'' program, which educates our 
citizens about the dangers of driving under the influence. This campaign 
also encourages lifesaving measures to help keep impaired drivers off 
the road--including sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and 
prosecution of those who break the law. To protect our Nation's young 
people and deter underage drinking, the Helping America's Youth 
initiative, led by First Lady Laura Bush, is promoting positive youth 
development and educating our children about the dangers associated with 
alcohol and drug use. With the help of parents, educators, and faith-
based and community organizations, this initiative teaches our children 
to avoid alcohol and drug use, make healthy choices, and build lives of 
purpose.
    Keeping drunk and drugged drivers off the road is vital for the 
safety of our loved ones and fellow citizens. All Americans can 
encourage responsible actions and work to ensure that those around them 
do not operate a vehicle while under the influence. When law 
enforcement, communities, and individuals unite against impaired 
driving, lives are

[[Page 1766]]

saved and our Nation's roadways are made safer for everyone.
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, 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 2005 as 
National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. I encourage all 
Americans to help keep our Nation's roadways safe by making responsible 
decisions and taking appropriate measures to prevent drunk and drugged 
driving.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second 
day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:09 a.m., November 29, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on November 23, and it will be published in the Federal 
Register on November 30.