[paulandjean]

No big deal. People walk across 441 using the traffic light. All you have to do is be careful. Stop being worry warts and enjoy.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by paulandjean

No big deal. People walk across 441 using the traffic light. All you have to do is be careful. Stop being worry warts and enjoy.

If you do it now in your cart, you will get a ticket.

[starflyte1]

I do not think that we will ever be allowed to cross Rolling Acres Road, Buenos Aires, and 441 by golf cart. I know what business minded people own TV and doubt that they would approve of any commercial property that they do not own, becoming golf cart accessible. I hope that I am wrong.

[chuckinca]

I believe 441 & 27 are US Highways (not State Highways)

.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Here's the latest update via this month's The Villages Voice (from the VHA) on the golf-carts-crossing-highways situation:

"Fact Finder - Golf Carts Crossing Highways

Communications with Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles regarding golf cart operation concerning public crossing of highways in January gave The Villages Voice an update to share with Villagers. It appears that section 316.212,F.S. governs the public’s use of golf carts and section 316.2126 applies only to the operation of golf carts by city, county and state agents / employees. Section 316.2126, F.S. speaks to employees, park volunteers, etc. if the intent was to apply to anyone, s. 316.212,F.S. should have been the amended statute. There may be clarifying language put forward in the 2013 legislative session.

Present Situation

Section 316.2126, F.S., authorizes municipalities to utilize golf carts and utility vehicles upon state, county, or municipal roads located within the corporate limits of the municipality. This authorization is subject to certain conditions. For example, municipalities must ensure golf carts and utility vehicles comply with certain state operational and safety requirements, as well as municipal ordinances that are more restrictive than state law. One operational requirement governing golf carts and utility vehicles is that they may be operated only on state roads that have a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour or less.

Effect of Changes

The bill amends s. 316.2126, F.S., to expand the scope of golf cart and utility vehicle operation upon state roads. The bill creates s. 316.2126(1)(d) and (e), F.S., to authorize golf carts and utility vehicles to cross state roads (only at intersections with an official traffic control device) that have a speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less and to authorize golf carts and utility vehicles to be operated on sidewalks adjacent to state highways if the golf carts and utility vehicles yield to pedestrians and if the sidewalks are at least five feet wide.

Opinion Cabinet & Legislative Affairs, Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles

It is difficult to prove if the legislative intent was intended to apply to everyone or merely to clarify that municipal workers could cross the specified roadways. Should any changes be approved in the upcoming legislative session related to the operation of golf carts in the section of law, our legislative staff will keep your community apprised.

Additional Clarification Needed

Since state and local law enforcement authorities cannot definitely include (or exclude) public golf cart drivers’ participation along with certain municipal workers, local and state law enforcement also is seeking legislative guidance on the matter. In the meantime, authorization for Villagers to cross state highways is not expected to be clarified nor authorized by January 2013 when this ambiguous change goes into effect."

Here is the link to the article: The Villages Voice

Bill

[mrdills]

I can just see it now 50,000 golf carts crossing 441, 466, 466A, and 44, WOW, this looks like a accident ready to happen..........

[paulandjean]

Originally Posted by mrdills

I can just see it now 50,000 golf carts crossing 441, 466, 466A, and 44, WOW, this looks like a accident ready to happen..........

Thats why they have traffic lights. Do not think carts will cause the problem,Autos will.Cart driver will be driving defensive,automobile drivers are the ones we have to look out for. No biggie.

[BentBoy]

Am I the only one that sees a problem here. Golf carts are not cars. They have zero safety features. You don't need a license to drive one. They don't stop fast enough in an emergency and they have the worse signaling indicators of any vehicle (turn signals). The majority of the carts that I see, the turn signals and the brake lights, are a joke. They are either left on all the time or covered up by golf bags. The front lights are the size of pin heads. I say, you want to drive and cross more roads, then your cart much be retrofitted with all the safety equipment that the car makers have to put in.

[GatorFan]

The DOT has not approved crossing 441.

[KBusch]

Golf cars and automobiles can safely be on the roads together. The place to look for this is Sun City Arizona. Although not as big as the villages, golf cars can be driven on the road with automobiles safely. Like most things, its the person behind the wheel being aware of their surroundings.

[jebartle]

Why are handicap scooters and bicycles and pedestrians allowed now...There should be no difference...You have made some very good points thou!

Originally Posted by BentBoy

Am I the only one that sees a problem here. Golf carts are not cars. They have zero safety features. You don't need a license to drive one. They don't stop fast enough in an emergency and they have the worse signaling indicators of any vehicle (turn signals). The majority of the carts that I see, the turn signals and the brake lights, are a joke. They are either left on all the time or covered up by golf bags. The front lights are the size of pin heads. I say, you want to drive and cross more roads, then your cart much be retrofitted with all the safety equipment that the car makers have to put in.

[mrdills]

ALN, don't hold your breath............

[DonH57]

Are there actually any marked crosswalk patterns on 441 for pedestrians? I don't recall seeing any but that never stopped anyone determine to cross.

[mrdills]

Why do carts have to drive across 6 lanes of traffic on 441 is beyond my comprehensions., if nothing else think of you own safety. There is alway someone try to push the envelope. If you have to drive across 441 jump in you car, its as easy as that.