National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, 2005

Proclamation 7965 of November 22, 2005

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention
Month, 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 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B