Presidential Documents

75845 

Federal Register 

Vol. 75, No. 234 

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8610 of December 1, 2010 

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2010 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

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 faithbased 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. 


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75846 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 234 / Tuesday, December 7, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. 2010–30802 

Filed 12–6–10; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W1–P 


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