[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 234 (Wednesday, December 4, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 64245-64246]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-31029]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 234 / Wednesday, December 4, 1996 /
Presidential Documents
___________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
[[Page 64245]]
Proclamation 6960 of November 27, 1996
National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention
Month, 1996
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a
scourge on our society that we cannot ignore or treat
lightly. Drunk and drugged driving has no geographic
limits; it is a problem that afflicts cities and rural
areas alike in every region of our country. And, most
disturbing of all, it is a growing problem--last year,
alcohol-related traffic deaths increased for the first
time in a decade. Each of us and our loved ones are at
risk of becoming victims of a driver impaired by drugs
or alcohol. However, we can solve this problem if we
make a national commitment to do so.
Two months ago, we charted a course that demands that
those who drive must assume the responsibility of
staying sober and drug-free behind the wheel. Targeting
our youngest drivers first, we began by requiring, as a
condition of receiving Federal highway funds, that
every State pass a law making it illegal for anyone
under 21 to drive with alcohol in their bloodstream.
Now, we must take the next step toward ridding our
highways of drunk drivers.
Drivers between 21 and 34 years of age are most likely
to drive under the influence of alcohol or other mind-
altering drugs. We must not only redouble our efforts
to educate those in this age group about the terrible
risks posed by drunk and drugged driving, but we must
also strengthen our law enforcement efforts to make
clear that this behavior will not be tolerated.
Addressing impaired driving by teens and young adults
is important but, unfortunately, is not enough to solve
the problem. No age group is immune to the temptation
to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Through peer pressure and education, we must convince
all who would get behind the wheel drunk or drugged to
change their behavior.
All of us can do our part to reduce the tragic loss of
life and limb caused by drunk and drugged drivers.
Parents can thoughtfully and candidly discuss the
dangers with their children who drive; more States can
pass Zero Tolerance laws; more citizens can prevent
friends or acquaintances from getting behind the wheel
while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and more
of us can volunteer to be ``designated drivers,''
pledged to abstain from alcohol when we are with others
who might be drinking. By making clear that drunk and
drugged driving is unacceptable and by resolving firmly
to stop it, we can prevent thousands of tragic deaths
and injuries each year.
I ask all Americans to observe a special day of
remembrance of the victims of drunk and drugged driving
by participating this year in ``National Lights on for
Life Day.'' On Friday, December 20, I ask that drivers
nationwide keep their headlights illuminated to call
attention to this threat to the health and safety of
our citizens. And I ask that we rededicate ourselves as
a Nation to preventing drunk and drugged driving in our
communities.
[[Page 64246]]
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 1996 as National
Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. I urge all
Americans to recognize the dangers of impaired driving;
to take responsibility for themselves and others around
them; to stop anyone under the influence of alcohol or
drugs from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle; and
to help teach our young people about the lifesaving
benefits of safe driving habits.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-seventh day of November, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-first.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 96-31029
Filed 12-3-96; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P
