The SIPOA Board, Committee members, and staff, both collectively and privately, get emails and voicemails virtually every day from homeowners expressing concerns about island safety. Topics range from young children without seatbelts in LSVs to eBikes not obeying traffic rules to dog leashing. And much more.
We welcome these homeowner messages; as Directors, we’re happy to serve as your sounding boards for issues of concern. However, it is virtually impossible for us to address every infraction and prevent every future infraction. We, and our stellar Security Team, cannot be “everything, everywhere, all at once”.
So, I will take this opportunity to share some facts that will hopefully allow homeowners to better understand and appreciate just how much we are doing to ensure your safety and security. Four major road safety challenges have been recurring for the 17 years I have been on this island, and will continue for the foreseeable future (unless we ban all vehicles from roadways):
- LSV Safety Compliance is still a problem. We issue, on average, 20+ tickets a month, more in the peak season (40+). In fact, on this issue, we have increased and enhanced enforcement and are now writing 50% more each month compared to a year ago. But parents still carry babies on their laps and do not seatbelt young children. LSV drivers still fail to stop at stop signs and park illegally. Now, before you say, “It must be those short-term renters,” note that renters only represent 10% of these citations.
There have been many homeowner complaints asking, “Why aren’t we doing anything about it?” The Safety & Security Committee has been proactive by: a) validating the problem; b) communicating and educating homeowners, renters, and LSV rental companies (ongoing). I certainly appreciate the allure of an LSV. So, please take responsibility for the people who use your LSV and educate them on safety rules before someone gets seriously hurt. We will continue to work alongside LSV rental companies to better educate renters on LSV safety.
- Currently, there is a significant spike in citations for speeding and stop sign rolling. Fifty percent (50%) over the same time last year. Typically, it is 55% homeowner, 30% contractor, 10% renter, and 5% employee. We will, of course, continue with enforcement across the entire island. We also had an extraordinary number of appeals this period. On average, over 95% of appeals were denied, largely because “Play the videotape!” Our Security Team is equipped with cameras in their vehicles and on their bodies. When the homeowner, contractor, or renter appeals a citation, the Committee reviews the video (and shares with the violator upon request), and the infraction is clear. Sometimes we have to accept that the Rules are not clear. In those instances, we err on the side of the violator and rule in their favor for the appeal. SIPOA’s Rules and Regulations are a living, breathing document and are under constant review for clarity and applicability as time passes.
- eBikes have become a more visible problem largely because the offenders are repeaters and are difficult to catch. Offenders are challenging to police because they travel on and off-road. The potential for eBikes causing a safety problem is high. There is only one type of eBike allowed on Seabrook Island: Class-1 eBikes. These are defined as a bicycle/tricycle with operable pedals equipped with a motor that provides assistance ONLY when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance if/when the bicycle/tricycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. The electric motor is less than 750 watts (1 h.p.) and has no throttle. The Safety & Security Committee is working with the Town of Seabrook Island and law enforcement on recommendations to address this potential hazard.
- SIPOA is aware that beach parking is an issue compounded by the summer season. SIPOA does not have purview over all parking (some is owned by the Club), but we recognize that as the island builds out, it will only get worse. We are looking into several remediation remedies:
- Relining parking pads so they are narrower and can fit more vehicles
- Expanding parking lots
- Running a beach shuttle
- Allowing “residents only” parking at the beach
Parking improvement is part of the Master Plan. In the meantime, y’all could also ride your bikes to the beach. The exercise and free parking are worth it.
Safety starts at home. The Safety & Security Committee of SIPOA asks that LSV and eBike owners take personal responsibility for themselves and the people who use their vehicles. Learn the Rules of the Road for these vehicles and ensure that those you entrust with your vehicles adhere to them.
Resources
Submitted by Richie Bavasso, Safety & Security Committee Chair