WHEREAS, Alaska’s extensive road systems allow for transportation of Alaskans and visitors to travel for work, school, and pleasure with the reasonable expectation of respectful and attentive treatment from fellow drivers; and
WHEREAS, impaired driving remains a frequently-committed crime and a leading cause of death nationwide, and the impacts of impaired driving continue to leave permanent scars on countless families and communities; and
WHEREAS, driving while impaired jeopardizes the safety of everyone using public roadways, and the consequences of impaired driving, while severe, are completely preventable when individuals simply choose to not get behind the wheel unless they are prepared for safe driving; and
WHEREAS, impaired driving accidents can be prevented by using good judgement and personal accountability, and every Alaskan can play a role in reducing the frequency of these incidents by speaking out and warning others of the dangers associated with impaired driving, by confiscating the keys of prospective drivers that are intoxicated, and by reminding the drivers that they are riding with to stay focused on the road and limit distractions; and
WHEREAS, we remember and honor the victims of impaired driving whose lives were tragically lost or irreversibly impacted, and as all life is precious, it is imperative that Alaskans protect the lives of themselves and their fellow Alaskans by choosing to not drive while impaired.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim July 3, 2023 as:
Drunk Driving Victims Remembrance Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to remember the victims of impaired driving accidents by committing to safe decisions and to not driving while impaired, or allowing someone else to.
Dated: July 3, 2023
