Capital Area Substance Abuse Council (CASAC)

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Presidential

President Obama Declares December National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

(From CADCA)

In the proclamation, the President calls on everyone to be sober, drug free, and safe on the road.

The holiday season has traditionally been a time when coalition across the country partner with their law enforcement agencies to educate and "reward" sober drivers at DUI checkpoints by distributing resources and other materials. Coalitions also help in other ways in their communities by providing rides home from celebrations, producing public service announcements, targeting businesses that over-serve, and making changes in the ways bars and restaurants promote and conduct holiday gatherings. Please share your coalition's holiday impaired driving prevention strategies on CADCA's Facebook page (and CASAC's Facebook page).

The effectiveness and relevance of coalition work in preventing drug and drunk driving was mentioned by the President in the proclamation.

"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 faith-based 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," Obama stated.

The proclamation coincides with the recent release of a new traffic fatality analysis released by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the report, one in three motor vehicle fatalities (33%) with known drug test results tested positive for drugs in 2009. Additionally, the involvement of drugs in fatal crashes has increased by five percent over the past five years, even as the overall number of drivers killed in motor vehicle crashed in the United States has declined.

NHTSA is also sponsoring the campaign, "Drunk Driving: Over the Limit. Under Arrest" when thousands of police departments and law enforcement agencies across the country will increase their efforts to ensure impaired drivers are detected and appropriate action is taken.

President Obama and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy have put a spotlight on the previously overlooked highway safety problem of drugged driving. The proclamation indicated that reducing drugged driving is a national priority.

"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 crucial 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," the President said in his proclamation.