Presidential Statement On The Release Of Drunk Driving Statistics

STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT

The data released today by the Transportation Department shows that we are making real progress in protecting Americans from drunk drivers. Last year, the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes dropped to an all-time low, representing a decline of over a third since 1982. For the first time since we started keeping these statistics in 1975, drunk driving deaths accounted for less than 40 percent of all traffic deaths. And alcohol-related fatalities among 16 to 20 year-olds dropped by 5 percent last year alone.

Our progress is the result of stronger laws, tougher enforcement, and increased public awareness. In particular, today's statistics show the importance of the legislation I fought for and signed three years ago to ensure zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving. But there is more we must do. We could save even more lives by passing a tough national standard of impaired driving at .08 blood alcohol content (BAC) -- and I continue to challenge the Congress to enact this life-saving measure. If we work together, we can spare thousands of families from the grief and anger of losing a loved one to a preventable drunk driving crash, and make our roads, highways, and communities safer for all Americans.



What's New - August 1998

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998

Patients' Bill of Rights

Safe Drinking Water Event

Those Who Lost their Lives in Kenya and Tanzania

Summer Jobs Event

Military Strikes In Afghanistan and Sudan

Welfare Reform

Military Strikes In Afghanistan and Sudan

Brady Law Event

Drunk Driving Statistics

A Guide For Safe Schools

35th Anniversary of The March on Washington

Opening of Education Roundtable

Education Roundtable Discussion

U.S. Leadership in Information Technology


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