White House Drug Czar to Launch National Initiative Against Drugged Driving

White House Drug Czar to Launch National Initiative Against Drugged Driving

Topics: President George W. Bush

White House Drug Czar to Launch National Initiative Against Drugged Driving

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
November 18, 2002

NHTSA 69-02
Monday, November 18, 2002
Contacts:
White House, Rafael Lemaitre / Tom Riley, 202-395-6618
NHTSA Tim Hurd, 202-366-9550

Media Advisory

White House Drug Czar to Launch National Initiative
Against Drugged Driving

John P. Walters, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), will be joined by leaders representing various public and private sector organizations including Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge, head of the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on Tuesday, Nov. 19 to announce a comprehensive, united effort against drugged driving.

In addition to releasing three new television and print advertisements aimed at preventing this destructive behavior, Director Walters will describe plans for ONDCP's Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center (CTAC) to research testing devices which will eventually be used to identify those who have consumed illicit narcotics. Over 8 million persons aged 12 or older reported driving under the influence of illegal drugs during 2001.

Walters stated, "While the consequences of drunk driving have become well known over the past 20 years, the dangerous phenomenon of drugged driving has received relatively limited attention. We have solid data regarding the prevalence and seriousness of impaired driving. America already loses too many lives to drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, we cannot allow a lack of public awareness to contribute to the deaths of more innocent motorists."

Dr. Runge said, "The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that up to 22 percent of drivers involved in fatal motor vehicles crashes have tested positive for illegal drugs. That means you, your family or friends are in serious danger from those committing this serious crime."

WHO: John P. Walters, Director, National Drug Control Policy
Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge, Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
Gary and Kelly Thompson, Gary and Kelly Thompson, Family of a drugged driving victim

WHEN: 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19

WHERE: Office of National Drug Control Policy
5^th Floor Press Briefing room
750 17^th St. NW, Washington

WHO:	John P. Walters, Director, National Drug Control Policy Dr. Jeffrey W. Runge, Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Peter Kissinger, President and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Gary and Kelly Thompson, Gary and Kelly Thompson, Family of a drugged driving victim
WHEN:	10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19
WHERE:	Office of National Drug Control Policy 5^th Floor Press Briefing room 750 17^th St. NW, Washington

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