G.B. from Seminole County, Florida writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
We have, by order of our county, to have one way driving into our property. I have lived here for over 20 years. In the last 5 years, we have tenants and visitors driving the wrong way even with the posted signs and arrows painted on pavement. I had reported to the BOARD, TO THE MANAGER and even to the Sheriff that we have children waiting at the entrance for the school bus and almost being hit by a car going the wrong way. I myself almost got hit by a car several times. The board meeting held last night was to vote on installing *hands*at the entrance that would prevent this problem. I mentioned to the directors that the Association may be sued for liability if an accident caused bodily harm if more action is not done to control this problem. The manager said she has received many complaints and we do have cameras on site. We had a lawsuit last year and the tenant won the case on another matter, stating, I believe, negligence on behalf of the Association. Thank you!
Mister Condo replies:
G.B., I am sorry for your association’s driveway challenge and the folks who are not caring enough to follow the traffic patterns that could prevent tragedy. You are correct to point out the liability issue to the Board. I hope they take your warning to heart. At the end of the day, it is the association, under the guidance of the Board, who has to address this issue and correct the behavior of disobedient drivers. Since the simpler deterrents aren’t working it is time to step up to more severe deterrents. Installing gates is a great way to stop people from going the wrong way. If they can’t get through, surely, they will start going the correct way. Traffic cameras can help, especially if the Board passes strong measures to correct the wrong way drivers. Measures can include fines, restricted access to association grounds, etc. for violators. Of course, all fines and violations must follow due process for the association and state laws for community association governance. The important thing is to keep complaining until the Board acts to correct the problem. In addition to the heartbreak of a death or injury, the association could face a huge liability expense for allowing the dangerous condition to persist. I am hopeful that you are already on the right track to correcting this problem. Stay the course and keep on top of your Board until they do the right thing. You could be saving the life of a child or even your own life. Good luck!