I agree traffic problems increase during these months. I attribute it to several factors.
1. We have seasonal/temporary residents trying to cram as much into their time here as possible. Some bring their driving habits from where they live "up north". That, coupled with shorter days with fewer hours of comfortable temperatures, leads to rushing around. I observed an instance where a cart was waiting to turn left off Stillwater. A car behind them didn't want to wait a few seconds and pulled into the cart lane to pass on the right and cut off a cart that was already there. Jeez!
2. We have renters "on vacation" who are also trying to get as much for their money as possible and have no vested interest in TV other than as a destination. They are going where they want to go and don't get in their way. The other day I had a woman (on a cell phone) cross the double yellow line on Canal near Odell to pass my cart so she would be in front of me at the RED light. Unfortunately, for her, there was a car turning onto Canal creating a potential head-on collision.
3. Paradoxically, we have seasonal residents, visitors, etc., who are trying to fit in amicably. They are some of the ones who stop and let carts cross where they shouldn't, causing confusion and creating dangerous situations for car and cart alike. This feeds the perception among some cart drivers that they have the right of way at intersections or on roadways.
4. We have construction going on in several areas. In the past, TV built neighborhoods completely and then sold the houses. The last few years they have returned to the prior pattern of selling lots and then constructing the house. As a result, construction traffic is spread out over several neighborhoods and that traffic is now on more residential streets than previously. Construction vehicles largely don't pay as much attention to speed as residents do. Deadlines, dontcha know.
The best advice has already been posted above. Drive defensively. Assume the other guy/gal is an idiot and be prepared for them to do something unusual. Lately I've noticed golf carts with lights on in the daytime similar to daytime running lights on cars. That seems like it may be a good idea during the "high" season at least. May reduce the range on electric carts by a little, but shouldn't be significant.
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