National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2010

Proclamation 8610 of December 1, 2010

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2010

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every day, millions of Americans travel on our Nation's
roadways. Thousands of these drivers and passengers
tragically lose their lives each year because of drunk,
drugged, or distracted driving. During National
Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit to
preventing the loss of life by practicing safe driving
practices and reminding others to be sober, drug-free,
and safe on the road.

Impaired driving and its consequences can seriously
alter or even destroy lives and property in a moment.
This reckless behavior not only includes drunk driving,
but also the growing problem of drugged driving. Drugs,
including those prescribed by a physician, can impair
judgment and motor skills. It is critical that we
encourage our young people and fellow citizens to make
responsible decisions when driving or riding as a
passenger, especially if drug use is apparent.

This National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we
must also draw attention to the dangers of distracted
driving, including using electronic equipment or
texting while behind the wheel of a vehicle. When
people take their attention away from the road to
answer a call, respond to a message, or use a device,
they put themselves and others at risk. Distracted
driving is a serious, life-threatening practice, and I
encourage everyone to visit Distraction.gov to learn
how to prevent distracted driving.

My Administration is dedicated to strengthening efforts
against drunk, drugged, and distracted driving. To lead
by example, we have implemented a nationwide ban
prohibiting Federal employees from texting while
driving on Government business or when using a
Government device. This holiday season, the United
States Department of Transportation's National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration is also sponsoring the
campaign, ``Drunk Driving: Over the Limit. Under
Arrest.'' Thousands of police departments and law
enforcement agencies across the Nation will redouble
their efforts to ensure impaired drivers are detected
and appropriate action is taken. Additionally, the
Office of National Drug Control Policy is working with
Federal agencies to raise public awareness about the
high prevalence of drugged driving in our country, and
to provide resources for parents of new drivers about
how to talk to their children about drugs.

As responsible citizens, we must not wait until tragedy
strikes, and we must take an active role in preventing
debilitated driving. Individuals, families, businesses,
community organizations, drug-free coalitions, and
faith-based groups can promote substance abuse
prevention and encourage alternative sources of
transportation. By working together, we can help save
countless lives and make America's roadways safer for
all.

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 2010 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
first day of December, in the year of our Lord two
thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.