On the agenda for the May 21st Commission Meeting was a proclamation to declare May 26th through June 3rd, 2001, as Buckle Up America Week in the City of Alachua. The item was submitted by Alachua Police Chief Robert Jernigan. To kick off the item for discussion and vote, Interim City Manager Cain read the proclamation aloud:
Whereas: Law Enforcement, Buckle Up Florida and "Click It or Ticket" are forging broad, community based partnerships across the state and region to increase the proper use of safety belts and child safety seats to 90 percent by 2005, thereby saving communities precious lives and taxpayer dollars; and,
Whereas: Increasing safety belts and child safety use is still the single most effective method to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes on Florida's roadways; and
Whereas: Research shows that the hard-core, non-safety belt users have a greater fear of a citation and lofty fine than the threat of death or injuring in a car crash; and
Whereas: Studies show that the best way to get children buckled up is for adult to use safety belts on each and every ride; and
The City of Alachua City Commission hereby proclaims our support for Buckle Up America Week, Operation ABC (America Buckles Children) and "Click It or Ticket", we urge everyone to help reduce injuries and the tragic loss of life on our highways by everyone buckling up on each and every ride. It is time to make unbuckled occupants unacceptable in Florida through strong adult and child passenger safety laws and highly visible enforcement of these laws. We call upon all citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses, hospitals and schools in Alachua to support these initiatives.
Chief Jernigan stated the he did a survey this morning at 235 and CR 2054, and out of 100 people only 56 were wearing their seat belts. "That is a very low percentage. We are going to educate the public."
Commissioner Robbins asked what the fine was for not wearing a seat belt. Chief Jernigan said "For an adult, I believe it is $60, for a child, it is $90 or something like that." After a pause he joked "of course, you write the adult, not the child."
A motion by Commissioner Robbins was made to accept the proclamation, and was seconded by Commissioner Lewis. The proclamation was given a unanimous vote. | 
