Security Update 

  As we continue to adjust to a “new normal” and the continued fight against COVID-19, we appreciate residents’ support, patience, and assistance. At the time this article was authored, Chatham County continues to have approximately six-to-seven new COVID-19 cases daily. Although not completely out of the woods, progress is being made. Hurricane Season - On June 15, The Landings Association assisted CEMA in hosting an online virtual Hurricane Town Hall meeting for our residents. You may already have noted there has been three named storms, and this year is expected to be an above average year. Please make your plans now and include contingency plans for COVID-19 issues and precautions. The Association’s focus when a hurricane is approaching our island will be business continuity. Focus of Attention - The transition of security duties from TLA Security Officers to The Landings Club’s new Loss Prevention Officers (LPO’s) appears to be going well. As a reminder, Club-related issues should be reported to 598-2500. TLA’s Security Department did not have officers solely dedicated to Club-related duties, so reducing staff, although considered and discussed, is not currently our plan of action. Instead, Security Officers’ time that previously was spent on Club-related duties now will be focused on community path patrols and compliance efforts with traffic safety and Rules and Regulations, to include those rules and regulations governing vendors, Private Property Maintenance Standards (PPMS), and Covenants. Radar - On the subject of traffic, you will notice a new radar trailer deployed throughout the community. A grant from Landlovers assisted in purchasing the new radar trailer, and we are hopeful it will have a positive impact on our overall traffic data and driving behaviors. As mentioned, traffic safety will be one of the refocus areas for our Officers. We recently had a few requests from residents asking that we define the term “yield”, reiterate the need to use turn signals, and address walking/running against the flow of traffic. Full disclosure: I had several other requests, but my editor keeps my column restricted to not consume the entire newsletter, so I can’t cover them all in this article. Please watch for them in future communications. Yield - Rule & Regulation F.1 Vehicles, states “Drivers must comply with the Uniform Rules of the Road,” which may be found in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) 40-6-1 through 40-6-397. In reference to the term “yield”, let’s start with the end in mind -- a citation or an injury resulting in a civil lawsuit. A failure-to-yield citation can be used for violation of various sections of the O.C.G.A., to include 40-6-70, 40-6-71, and 40-6-73. One definition of failure-to-yield is entering a lane when approaching traffic had the right-of-way. It also can be linked to not giving pedestrians the right-of-way, entering an intersection, etc. Not only can drivers face the traffic charge of failure-to-yield, but it also can be used in civil injury lawsuits. TLA’s Rules and Regulations F.6 Vehicles clearly states golf carts must yield to licensed vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles. If a golf cart driver is involved in a golf cart versus pedestrian or cyclist incident, the golf cart driver would be hard pressed to prove mitigating circumstances that would relieve them of their responsibility to yield. Turn Signals - O.C.G.A. 40-6-123(b) states “A signal of intention to turn right or left or change lanes when required shall be given continuously for a time sufficient to alert the driver of a vehicle…” Using your turn signal not only is lawful in many instances, it’s always the best and safest practice. Walk the Line - O.C.G.A. 40-6-96 outlines the law regarding pedestrians on or along roadways. If you have a chance, Google this law, as it contains some interesting language about sidewalks and specifically section (e) which states, “except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any pedestrian upon a roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.” It also states if on a two-lane roadway, (pedestrians) shall stand or stride only on the left side of the roadway. Chatham County Police Department is the local authority that enforces State laws and County ordinances. As a reminder, ignorance of the law is no excuse. Hopefully, these helpful reminders will focus your attention on a few issues recently observed and inspire you to refresh your knowledge about traffic laws and safety. I remain truly grateful for your Security staff and local, state, and Federal heroes in law enforcement, emergency services, and healthcare that have continued to put their safety and well-being behind that of others. God bless them and America! Stay safe, stay far (6 ft.+), and stay well,