123STA T . 3 74 4 PROCL A M AT I O N8 4 6 1 —DE C.2 , 2 0 0 9topr ot ec to u r Na t i o n’s resources an d too b ser v et h is m onth w ith ap - propriate events and trainin g to enhance our nationa l securit y and re- silience .I N W I T N ES SW H E R E OF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day o fD ecember, in the year of our L ord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the U nited States of A merica the two hundred and thirty-fourth. B ARA CK OBA M A Proclam a ti o n8461 o fDe cem b er 2, 2 0 0 9Nation a lImp ai redD ri v in gP revention M ont h,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Every day, people put themselves and their fellow Americans in dan- ger on our Nation’s roadways when they drive after consuming alcohol or after using legal and illegal drugs. During this holiday season, we must all be especially vigilant in protecting our families, friends, and neighbors from drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alco- hol. Although we have succeeded in decreasing the number of drun k driv- ers in recent years, we have seen a disturbing increase in Americans driving under the influence of drugs. Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs poses the same risks as drunk driving, and we must do more to stop this growing epidemic. Families, businesses, community organi z ations, and faith-based groups can promote substance abuse prevention as well as alternative sources of transportation for those under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Each of us can save lives in our own communities by encouraging our fellow citizens to drive responsibly. My Administration is working hard to prevent impaired driving. The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Ad- ministration is again sponsoring the campaign known as ‘ ‘Drunk Driv- ing. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.’’ This effort involves thousands of law enforcement agencies across America. P olice will e x pand their ef- forts during the high-risk travel period between December 16 , 20 0 9 , and J anuary 3 , 2010 to ensure that impaired drivers are stopped and arrested. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we are reminded of the importance of driving free from the influence of alcohol and drugs, and we renew our commitment to preventing the senseless loss of life that too often results from this irresponsible behavior. By work- ing together, we can make our Nation’s roadways safer for all Ameri- cans. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Decem- ber 2009 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. I urge all
