National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, 2000

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Part XI

The President

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

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7384 of December 4, 2000

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention
Month, 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-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.