The White House issues a presidential message from the Office of the First Lady to recognize National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, pledging renewed federal efforts to combat drunk and drugged driving, which kills one American every 42 minutes.
The message comes as traffic deaths remain stubbornly high nationwide, with impaired driving continuing as a leading cause of preventable road fatalities.
“Every year, thousands of Americans are injured or killed by reckless drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” the President stated in the December 5 proclamation. Trump promised to “reaffirm our commitment to preventing drug and alcohol abuse on our roads, protecting American lives, and making America safe, healthy, and strong.”
Trump also outlined his administration’s multi-pronged approach to the crisis, citing increased border security measures and expanded law enforcement support aimed at stopping illegal drug trafficking.
The Office of National Drug Control Policy is directing hundreds of millions of dollars to anti-trafficking programs. These include the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program and Drug-Free Communities Support Program.
“My Administration is also working to increase access to treatment so that every American battling drug and alcohol use has a path to total recovery,” Trump said.
He noted continued federal support for state enforcement campaigns like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
The proclamation acknowledged police officers, first responders, healthcare workers, and local organizations working to prevent impaired driving incidents. Trump urged Americans to remember victims of drunk and drugged driving crashes.
“We renew our resolve to never waver in putting the safety, health, and well-being of the American people first,” the President concluded.
