Office of the Mayor

Proclamation

Lawrence, Kansas

WHEREAS:   Public safety, including the reduction of fatalities and injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, is a top priority for the City of Lawrence; and

WHEREAS:   Texting has become a preferred mode of communication for both younger and older Lawrence residents alike; and

WHEREAS:   The American Media Association called text messaging while driving “a public health risk,” citing a study that found text messaging while driving causes a 400 percent increase in time spent with eyes off the road; and

WHEREAS:   According to the National Safety Council, more than 100,000 crashes a year involve drivers who are texting and causing countless life-changing injuries and deaths; and

WHEREAS:   A driver who sends a text message while driving not only jeopardizes his or her safety, but also the safety of passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers; and

WHEREAS:   The State of Kansas has already shown tremendous leadership by passing a state law banning texting while driving.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael Dever, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim September 19, 2013 to be:

“No Texting While Driving – It Can Wait Day”

and encourage all Lawrence residents to take the It Can Wait pledge and commit to refraining from texting while driving.

                                                          Mike Dever, Mayor

September 17, 2013