Proclamation 9547-National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2016
Issued 2016-11-30 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation designating December 2016 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The action draws public attention to the dangers of driving while drunk, drugged, or distracted—particularly during the holiday season when impaired driving incidents occur more frequently. According to the proclamation, alcohol-related driving fatalities accounted for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities the previous year, and the number of such fatalities had recently increased.
This proclamation affects all Americans by encouraging them to take specific steps to reduce impaired driving. It asks passengers to reduce distractions, friends and family to help intoxicated loved ones get home safely, and all citizens to report dangerous driving by calling 911. The proclamation also highlights existing federal efforts, including the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which works with states and communities to increase road patrols and sobriety checkpoints, and the Administration's work to provide law enforcement with resources to combat impaired driving.
This matters because impaired driving—whether from alcohol, drugs (including prescription medications), or distractions like cell phone use—poses serious risks to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and everyone on the roads. The proclamation serves as a public awareness tool during a high-risk period, directing Americans to educational resources and urging responsible decision-making to prevent injuries and fatalities that the proclamation describes as preventable.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9547-National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to impaired driving prevention. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9547—National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, 2016 November 30, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Driving drunk, drugged, or distracted poses a significant threat to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and all who share our roads. During the holiday season, incidents of impaired driving occur more frequently, and every December, we observe National Impaired Driving Prevention Month to highlight steps we can take to improve safety on our streets and raise awareness of these preventable dangers. Recently, the number of traffic crash fatalities caused by impaired driving has unfortunately increased—last year, preventable alcohol-related driving fatalities accounted for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. Consumption of alcohol by drivers, even those who are of legal drinking age, is highly dangerous, and drug use, including prescription drug use, can also harm judgment, perception, and the motor skills used when driving. Distracted driving—including eating, tending to passengers, and using a cell phone—can also be dangerous and is equally preventable. We can all do our part to keep our roads safe and prevent these tragedies. As passen