Remarks Prepared for Delivery by Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Hanford Dole at the White House Ceremony for National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week

Dole, Elizabeth Hanford · 1985 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation

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Summary

This document consists of remarks delivered by Elizabeth Hanford Dole, Secretary of Transportation, at the White House ceremony for National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Week on December 16, 1985. The address highlights the severity of drunk driving as a public health crisis, noting that at least half of the over 44,000 Americans killed in auto accidents the previous year were alcohol-related. The speech serves to recognize the progress made through a coordinated national campaign involving government agencies, private organizations, and individual citizens, emphasizing the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in addressing highway safety issues. The remarks detail specific contributions from various stakeholders that have driven awareness and enforcement. Dole acknowledges the National Commission Against Drunk Driving for its progress report and highlights the growth of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which expanded from a small local group to a national movement with 366 chapters across 47 states and the District of Columbia, plus international chapters. She also recognizes the efforts of Jerry Sachs and the Capital Centre in reducing drunk driving in the Washington metropolitan area, and the support of NBA Commissioner David Stern. Enforcement efforts are underscored by Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), a campaign involving state police and highway patrol agencies in 40 states that utilizes stepped-up enforcement and sobriety checkpoints. The speech further illustrates the role of media and celebrity influence in shaping public consciousness. It cites Michael Jackson’s donation of rights to his song "Beat It" and Stevie Wonder’s creation of the first public service music video, "Don't Drive Drunk," noting their significant impact on young people. Additionally, country singer Barbara Mandrell is highlighted for supporting the safety belt campaign following a severe crash she survived due to seat belt use. Dole asserts that wearing safety belts provides the best protection against drunk drivers. Key statistical findings and legislative achievements are presented as evidence of the campaign's success. Deaths caused by drunk drivers dropped by 24 percent between 1980 and 1984. Legislative progress includes the signing of a bill encouraging states to set the legal minimum drinking age at 21, a measure adopted by 37 states to eliminate "blood borders" that incentivized cross-state drinking and driving. Furthermore, 16 states and the District of Columbia had enacted mandatory safety belt laws, protecting over 100 million people. The speech concludes by reinforcing the statistic that one in two Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime, urging continued intervention and partnership to ensure drunk drivers are removed from the roads.

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• public messaging