Q: What is National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month?
A: Since 1981, each President has designated December to help raise awareness about the risks of drunk and drugged driving. It is appropriate during a month-long season of holiday gatherings and festive occasions to remind folks about the dangers of driving while under the influence. We’ve made significant strides in this country against drunk driving to encourage folks to have a sober "designated driver." But more work remains, especially among teenagers. Parents bear a primary responsibility to make sure their teenager models good decision-making skills behind the wheel of a car and as a passenger.
More education is also needed to address the dangers associated with illegal drug use. The same impairments caused by alcohol are also caused by marijuana, methamphetamine and other illegal substances. National studies suggest our youngest drivers aren’t as concerned or aware about the risks of driving under the influence of illegal drugs. As parents and grandparents, let’s fulfill our responsibility to serve as positive role models, discuss the risks and consequences of driving drunk or under the influence of drugs and steer our children and grandchildren in the right direction. Take the time as a family to observe National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Before handing over the keys, be sure to have confidence in the choices your teen-aged son or daughter will make behind the wheel of a car. Teaching them to reject illegal drugs and avoid risky choices on the road boils down to a matter of life and death.
Q: What legislative action are you leading in Congress to address drugged driving?
A: My bipartisan bill would make federal grants available to states that are working to improve public safety by addressing drugged driving. Every state already has laws on the books to get drivers under the influence of alcohol off the road, and several, such as Iowa, also have laws covering drugged driving. I’m working to help states develop and carry out their efforts to steer our nation’s roads clear of all substance-impaired drivers. My legislation was included in the federal transportation reauthorization bill under consideration in Congress and I will push for its consideration next year as well. The grants would help states develop and carry out drug-impaired driving traffic safety programs; assist states in providing treatment to those guilty of driving under the influence of drugs; and boost training for law enforcement and prosecutors so they are better equipped to deal with drugged drivers. My bill also would provide research and development dollars to create a roadside testing mechanism for law enforcement officials to use to help identify and stop motorists driving under the influence of drugs. As chairman of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, I will continue to use my leadership position to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug use and enact public policies that will curb drug trafficking and addiction to make our communities safer places to live.