[TOTV Specialist]

In recent news, the Project Wide Advisory Committee is researching potential costs for a new pilot project that aims to reduce the number of golf cart related accidents at tunnels in The Villages. The idea for the project was originally introduced by Development District 6 Supervisor Tom Griffith whose call for action was echoed by Amenity Authority Committee member John Wilcox, among others.

Based on data from the Villages Homeowners Advocates, nearly 80 percent of golf cart crashes are occuring at tunnels in The Villages. One factor contributing to these accidents may be poor lighting in the tunnels, which affects drivers visibility. Community Development District 7 Supervisor, Mark Gallo, discussed with us how the pilot project would be implemented in steps to monitor costs,

“It will start with white washing the tunnels and the new LED lights for night. If that is not good enough, the tunnels will be painted with a reflective paint similar to vehicle tunnels which reflect light to brighten it. Then if that is still not deemed good, the lights will be 24/7. So you see we are also trying to keep cost in mind to get best bang for buck and safety!”

Although this project tackles tunnel lighting, driver error is another reason for a high rate of tunnel related accidents. Gallo, who has experience teaching golf cart safety courses noticed a common trend with tunnel related accidents, “The problem stems from both speed and not using the provided mirrors at the tunnels which allow drivers to see before they both enter/exit so they don't enter blindly. Most enter way to fast cause they don't slow down to look...”

As research for the pilot project continues, drivers are reminded to practice caution when approaching tunnels, and encouraged to attend golf cart safety courses offered throughout The Villages.

Photo Credit: Don Baird