National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2009

Proclamation 8461 of December 2, 2009

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every day, people put themselves and their fellow
Americans in danger on our Nation's roadways when they
drive after consuming alcohol or after using legal and
illegal drugs. During this holiday season, we must all
be especially vigilant in protecting our families,
friends, and neighbors from drivers who are under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.

Although we have succeeded in decreasing the number of
drunk drivers in recent years, we have seen a
disturbing increase in Americans driving under the
influence of drugs.

Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs poses
the same risks as drunk driving, and we must do more to
stop this growing epidemic. Families, businesses,
community organizations, and faith-based groups can
promote substance abuse prevention as well as
alternative sources of transportation for those under
the influence of drugs or alcohol. Each of us can save
lives in our own communities by encouraging our fellow
citizens to drive responsibly.

My Administration is working hard to prevent impaired
driving. The Department of Transportation's National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration is again
sponsoring the campaign known as ``Drunk Driving. Over
the Limit. Under Arrest.'' This effort involves
thousands of law enforcement agencies across America.
Police will expand their efforts during the high-risk
travel period between December 16, 2009, and January 3,
2010 to ensure that impaired drivers are stopped and
arrested.

During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we
are reminded of the importance of driving free from the
influence of alcohol and drugs, and we renew our
commitment to preventing the senseless loss of life
that too often results from this irresponsible
behavior. By working together, we can make our Nation's
roadways safer for all Americans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2009 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
second day of December, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.