For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 23, 2005
National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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