WHEREAS, the holiday season is a festive time, but everyone should celebrate the holidays safely and responsibly; and
WHEREAS, impaired driving is a major public health concern that puts drivers at risk and endangers the lives and safety of all passengers and travelers; and
WHEREAS, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 13,384 people were killed in traffic crashes caused by alcohol-impaired drivers, a 14 percent increase from 2020; 31 percent of all those killed in crashes involved at least one driver with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher; and
WHEREAS, this month is described by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals as one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on American roads due to an increase in impaired drivers on the roads; and
WHEREAS, this holiday season, each person can help prevent tragedies involving loved ones by developing a safe plan of travel to and from festive celebrations; and
WHEREAS, throughout National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit to stopping avoidable traffic deaths and keeping America’s roads safe by driving sober, helping each other plan for safe travel, and supporting those struggling with substance abuse; and
WHEREAS, spreading awareness is a good first step to prevent impaired driving, which puts everyone at risk;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim December, 2023, as “NATIONAL IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.