Tips on how to be a successful CAM.

 

ASK FRED

If you see someone texting on a cell phone while driving they are committing an offense under Florida law.

Question:  My question isn’t exactly about my profession, but something I’ve been wondering about since I spend a lot of time in my car during my week day. 

I’m pretty sure that it’s legal to talk on my cell phone while I’m driving, but I see people texting while driving.  Isn’t that illegal in Florida?

Answer:  You’re right, you may talk on a cell phone while driving in Florida and there are no prohibitions against using a cell while driving for the purpose of a phone call. 

You’re also correct that a person may not text while driving, and may not email or use instant message either.  Pursuant to section 316.305(3)(a), F.S.,  a person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device or while sending or reading data on such a device for the purpose of non-voice interpersonal communication, including, but not limited to, communication methods known as texting, e-mailing, and instant messaging.  The statute is referred to as the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law.”  

Click on the link to read the entire statute. 

Thanks for asking,
Fred Gray

PS:  Something interesting happened to me the other day while I was driving to Orlando. I was trying to get directions to my destination, a golf course of course, by looking quickly back and forth from my phone to the road… wasn’t even tipping my head up and down… just my eyes… and then something else caught my eye… a sheriff’s car had pulled up right beside me and was going the same speed as I, until I threw my phone in the passenger seat and put both hands on the wheel; then the deputy pulled slowly away. I was impressed… they are there to save lives. The lesson will stay with me…I will tend to my task before I leave home or pull over…..no trouble.

Suzanne

THANK YOU AND CONGRATS! 
Well, October is here.  September has come and gone and with it, another CAM renewal!  We want to thank all of the CAMs who chose to do their course work with us and congratulate them on yet another year in this fabulous industry.  Remember, too, that as a student of GSI, we are always here for you.  Fred Gray, an industry expert, is always available to answer questions or address concerns that you may have as an Association Manager.  Feel free to email him at fgray@graysystems.com or call him at 800.223.5457.

Again, thank you for making Gray Systems your CAM continuing education partner!

                                                   

HAVING A HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Ah, October!  That month when it’s actually possible to imagine cooler weather on its way and a chance to eat scrumptious treats that only appear during a month that celebrates ghosts, goblins and Ninja Turtles.

October is a great month for getting the people in your community involved with one another.  Here are some ideas for making your community association the envy of the neighborhood!                                                            

1.  Fall decorating contest!  Give your members a bit of an incentive to create a fall display on the front porch, back porch or visible through a window by rewarding the best with tickets to a scary movie!  The decorating is sort of like “Yard of the Month,” only better.            A "best dog-gone howl-o-ween costume" contest?

2.  Pumpkin decorating contest!  Well, this idea speaks for itself, but have you seen carved pumpkins lately?  They’re amazing, from three-dimensional carvings to painted works of art, the only limit is one’s creativity.  Offer to display the best of the best in the community center or main office.  Since pumpkin carving and decorating has become so artful, consider contest categories by the ages of contestants or types of design, like “Best Carved Pumpkin,” “Best Painted Pumpkin” or “Most Unusual Design.”  Perhaps a little moolah for the most creative "ghoula"?

3.  Who doesn’t love seeing a toddler in a skunk costume!  Instead of the typical costume contest, what about a “Toddlers on Parade”?  Rather than rewarding the best costume, provide each little one with a goodie bag filled with tiny tot friendly yummies like fruit snacks or prepackaged candy?  Everyone in the community will love seeing the youngsters walk through the community!  

Other ideas might include preparing goodie bags for the Octogenarians and asking the parents of little ones to help deliver them with toddler in tow; providing a birthday cake in the community center for everyone celebrating a birthday during October; or decorating the community center and creating a youngster-safe “Haunted House” that provides more thrill than chill.

 

THAT CALL CAN WAIT
As a community association professional, it’s likely you spend a pretty fair amount of time in your vehicle traveling between properties, which may mean you also spend a fair amount of time on your cell phone. 

For professionals who are frequently away from an office, cars often become the office and let’s face it, it’s the office where we make and return phone calls.  Since talking on your cell phone while driving is legal in Florida, The Florida Highway Patrol offers tips for driving safely when using a cell.
  

The main point and tip that the highway patrol offers?  Don’t use your cell phone while driving unless you absolutely can’t avoid the call.  Let voicemail answer for you and return the call when doing so won’t distract you from driving.  Most calls can wait a few minutes. For a more detailed list of the tips that may save your life or the life of someone else, click here..


GRAY'S REFERENCE GUIDES 
After 27 years, we've figured out how to help each student not just pass, but go on to become the most successful Community Association Manager they can be. One of those keys to success is our library of reference guides.

Available as both hard copy books or downloadable files, our books keep you abreast of the laws, codes, rules and statutues that pertain to association management! In short, a must have!   Click here to buy yours now!


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111 E Central Avenue Howey-in-the-Hills Florida United States
Phone: 800.223.5457  |  Fax: 352.324.1667
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