Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 98 Part 1.djvu/346

 98 STAT. 298

PUBLIC LAW 98-338—JULY 3, 1984 Whereas the best defense against the drunk or drugged driver is the use of safety belts and greater safety belt usage would increase the number of survivors of traffic accidents; Whereas an increase in the public awareness of the problem of drunk and drugged driving may contribute to a change in society's attitute toward the drunk or drugged driver and help to sustain current efforts to develop comprehensive solutions at the State and local levels; Whereas the Christmeis and New Year holiday period, with more drivers on the roads and an increased number of social functions, is a particularly appropriate time to focus national attention on this critical problem; Whereas designation of National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week in 1982 and 1983 stimulated many activities and programs by groups in both the private and public sectors aimed at curbing drunk and drugged driving in the high-risk Christmas and New Year holiday period and thereafter; Whereas over the last three years the number of traffic fatalities over each of the three-day New Year holidays has decreased from three hundred and thirty-eight deaths in 1981, to two hundred and eighty-two deaths in 1982, to two hundred and seventy-four deaths in 1983, the lowest number since 1949; and Whereas the activities and programs during National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week in 1982 and 1983 heightened the awareness of the American public to the danger of drunk and drugged driving and contributed to the decrease in traffic fatalities: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the week of December 9, 1984, through December 15, 1984, is designated as "National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week" and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe that week with appropriate activities. Approved July 3, 1984.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 303: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 130 (1984): June 8, considered and passed Senate. June 26, considered and passed House.

�