Voted and approved July 10, 2020
SITUATION:
Due to the nature of our rural setting GVL has a significant number of ATV/UTV and gas/electric powered on and off road vehicles. The number of unsafe incident reports has increased. Reports include destruction of property, speeding, and over occupancy of the vehicle. Although reported, it is difficult to identify the vehicle in question.
While ATVs are a convenient and fun means of transportation, especially for teenagers, they are inherently dangerous. ATV-related injuries are a leading cause of emergency department visits. Tennessee ranked 7th in the U.S. recently for ATV-related deaths. ATV owners may be unaware of the risky behavior of family members driving their ATVs.
MISSION:
Address unsafe and destructive acts of ATV/UTV and gas/electric powered on and off road vehicles through the adoption of a vehicle identification system designed to provide improved information for GVL property owners and security.
ISSUES:
- It is difficult to catch someone in the act of vandalism or speeding. Most reports are from property owners and not observed by security personnel.
- It is difficult to identify the people & vehicle involved.
- There is high risk of injury if a pursuit is undertaken by security – ATV/UTV vehicles are faster and more maneuverable (off road capability increases risk).
- Whips and flags have been suggested but are expensive for vehicle owners and pose a danger to riders in an off road setting. Flags on whips would require large numbers and could easily be torn, lost or transferred to other vehicles.
- Any identification system must be enforceable by GVL security personnel.
EXECUTION:
A plan has been through first reading to implement the following identification system for these vehicles:
All ATV/UTV/gas/electric powered vehicles will be required to be registered at the office. The registrations requirements follow:
- Pictures of the vehicle
- A numbered sticker (like a boat sticker) requiring an annual update and shown with the 2 digit year tab. The sticker is to be applied to the vehicle at the office.
- Updated owner information to include Name, address, telephone number and email is collected at registration.
Vehicle pictures and the associated sticker number are included in the registration log book. Personal information is maintained in a separate file and will be available to authorized personnel only. The registration log book allows the individual reporting an incident the ability to better identify the vehicle involved. It is recommended that an incident report include a picture if possible and a detailed description of the vehicle involved. After the likely vehicle is identified, Security will investigate the incident and determine the appropriate action to be taken.
IMPLEMENTATION:
The initial implementation of the program requires owners of the aforementioned vehicles to comply with the programs adoption within 60 days. Vehicle stickers for the initial implementation are at no cost to the vehicle owner. The sticker will be renewed annually at a cost of $2.00 per vehicle registered.