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.
;
BARACK
OBAMA
