A joint resolution to provide for the designation of the week of December 12, 1982 through December 18, 1982 as "National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week."
PL 97-343 (S.J.Res.241), enacted 10/15/1982

PUBLIC LAW 97-343—OCT. 15, 1982 
96 STAT. 1643 
Public Law 97-343 
97th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To provide for the designation of the week of December 12, 1982, through December 
——'-
18,1982, as "National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week". 
[S.J. Res. 241] 
Whereas traffic accidents cause more violent deaths in the United 
States than any other cause, over fifty thousand in 1980; 
Whereas traffic accidents also play a substantial role in serious 
injuries in this country; 
Whereas between 40 and 55 per centum of drivers who are fatally 
injured have alcohol concentrations in their blood above the legal 
limit and this figure rises to 55 to 65 per centum in single vehicle 
crashes; 
Whereas the total societal cost of drunk driving has been estimated 
anywhere from $5,000,000,000 to $25,000,000,000 a year, which 
does not include the human suffering that can never be measured; 
Whereas there are increasing reports of driving after drug use and 
accidents involving drivers who have used marihuana or other 
illegal drugs; 
Whereas more research is needed on the effects of drugs on driving 
ability and their impact on the incidence of traffic accidents, 
either alone or in combination with alcohol; 
Whereas an increased public awareness of the gravity of the prob-
lem of drugged driving may warn drug users to refrain from 
driving and may stimulate interest in increased research on the 
effects of drugs on driving ability and the incidence of traffic 
accidents; 
Whereas the public, particularly through the work of citizens groups 
such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Remove 
Intoxicated Drivers (RID), is demanding a solution to the problem 
of drunk driving; 
Whereas the President has appointed a Commission on Drunk 
Driving to heighten public awareness and stimulate the pursuit of 
solutions; 
Whereas many States have appointed task forces to examine the 
existing drunk driving program and make recommendations for a 
renewed, comprehensive approach; 
Whereas an increase in the national awareness of the problem of 
drunk and drugged driving may help to sustain current efforts to 
develop comprehensive solutions at the State and local levels; and 
96 STAT. 1644 
PUBLIC LAW 97-343—OCT. 15, 1982 
Whereas the Christmas and New Year's hoUday period, with more 
drivers on the roads and an increased number of social functions, 
is a particularly appropriate time to focus national attention on 
this critical problem: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the week of December 
National Drunk 
12, 1982, through December 18, 1982, is designated as "National 
MvirT"^^^^ 
Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week", and the President is 
Awareness 
authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the 
Week. 
people of the United States to observe that week with appropriate 
activities. 
Approved October 15, 1982. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 241: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 128 (1982): 
Sept. 15, considered and passed Senate. 
Sept. 30, considered and passed House.