Proclamation

WHEREAS, most people today consider inattentive and unsafe driving by others as a major personal threat to themselves and their families; and

WHEREAS, the "Stay Alive….Just Drive" traffic safety campaign encourages all Southwest Floridians to support the effort to curb distracted driving; and

WHEREAS, a typical distraction lasts three seconds, enough time for a car going 68 mph to travel the length of a football field; and

WHEREAS, awareness is the key to understanding how one second can change a life forever; and

WHEREAS, every 13 minutes someone dies in a motor vehicle crash on America’s roads. Crashes are a public health threat, claiming nearly 43,000 lives and injuring millions; and

WHEREAS, eighty two percent of motorists rated distracted driving as a serious problem, yet over half admitted to talking on the cell phone while driving; and

WHEREAS, we urge all residents and visitors to practice safe and law abiding driving habits and follow the simple philosophy of Stay Alert, Stay Focused, Stay Alive...Just Drive!;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Board of County Commissioners in regular session, duly assembled, does hereby proclaim August 10-16, 2008, as

Dated this 6th day of August, 2008.

Attest:

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Richard M. Weiss

Clerk of Courts

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Sam Johnson, Chairman

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Bob English

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Jack R. Myers

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Jean S. Reed

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Randy Wilkinson

Polk County Board of County Commissioners