National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month 1997

WHEREAS, motor vehicle crashes kill over 40,000 people and injure three million every year, at a cost to society of some $150 billion annually; and

WHEREAS, alcohol-related crashes account for approximately 40 percent of those deaths and injuries; and

WHEREAS, the December holiday season is traditionally one of the most deadly times of the year for alcohol-impaired driving; and

WHEREAS, for thousands of families across the nation, the December holidays bring a somber reminder of the loved ones they lost to an impaired driver during a previous holiday season or at any time during the year; and

WHEREAS, community-based programs involving consumer education, effective laws, and strong police enforcement have proven to be successful in reducing impaired driving; and

WHEREAS, organizations from every state are joining together to "Take a Stand Against Impaired Driving" this December by supporting anti-impaired driving programs and policies; and

WHEREAS, the community of [NAME] is a partner in that effort to make our roads and streets safer;

NOW, THEREFORE, I [NAME AND TITLE OF LOCAL OFFICIAL] do hereby proclaim December 1997 as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month in [NAME OF COMMUNITY] and hereby call upon all citizens, government agencies, business leaders, hospitals, schools, and public and private institutions in [NAME OF COMMUNITY] to promote awareness of the impaired driving problem, to support programs and policies to reduce the incidence of impaired driving, to promote safer and healthier behaviors regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs, and to provide opportunities for all to participate in "Take a Stand Against Impaired Driving" this December holiday season and throughout the year.

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