SAFETY NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH (NW) CORNER By Fay Wood, NW Chief This month’s article is going to discuss traffic safety and concerns your Neighborhood Watch Team has. Unfortunately, there was a recent accident involving a golf cart which resulted in property damage and injury to the driver. This was not reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies as required by Florida statutes with vehicle accidents involving injuries. In this case a police officer or Sheriff’s deputy would have responded to make sure all aspects were taken care. In instances such as this, when in doubt call 911 for the appropriate response. Golf carts are considered motor vehicles under Florida statures. The same restrictions and requirements go along with operating them. Another area of concern regards the complete, yes complete, stopping at a stop sign. As was previously noted, that means golf carts and bicycles as well. When you come to a stop sign, stop at the designated while line, check all directions and then proceed. The Lake Ashton speed limit is twenty miles per hour, and we strongly recommend you adhere to it! Since most of us in Lake Ashton are retired, there is no valid excuse for speeding which not only puts you but your neighbors at risk as well. We have asked our two police agencies for increased emphasis on this, so if you are caught, it is your own fault. As our streets are narrower than many city streets, proper parking is essential for effective traffic flow and safety. Residents should only park in the direction of traffic flow. We have had numerous complaints regarding this issue, and we ask all of you to remind your landscaping contractors of this fact or risk being cited by law enforcement. Lastly, please do not drink and drive! As we said before, golf carts are also subject to this law and if caught or God forbid being involved in an accident the same sanctions pertain as cars. The penalties for Driving While Impaired are quite severe and criminal in nature and could have life changing effects. These are just of few of the concerns we have gotten and in future articles we will highlight other traffic safety topics. As always, on behalf of your Neighborhood Watch Team, we wish you a safe October! PARKING & ROAD SAFETY Residents are reminded that the speed limit throughout all of Lake Ashton is 20 mph and all golf carts, vehicles, and bicycles (including electric bicycles) should make a complete stop just before the white stop bar whether before or after the posted stop sign. It only takes a moment to follow the traffic controls that are in place that could potentially prevent a serious accident. The Lake Wales and Winter Haven Police Department patrol in Lake Ashton on a regular basis. Please take a little extra time to ensure you (continued) 18
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