Are Stop Signs in The Villages really just suggestion?

[Kahuna32162]

Am I the only one who comes to a full stop at stop signs, only to watch a Lexus or SUV barely slow down an blow right through the intersection? Doesn't mater if you are in another car, a cart or walking....your safety is of no concern to them. Where is the community watch or the sheriff's deputies? Here's a hint, watch Belle Meade at Argyle or Nancy Lopez, you'll make your quota in a day. Also, if it's bad now, what's it going to be like in season?

What if I sit on the corner and video the license plates of those who refuse to stop, will anybody care?

[Happinow]

Anyone who can do anything about blowing through stop signs and red lights will not be at the right place at the right time to do anything about it. It's part of driving here. If you go about your day anticipating that people won't stop for lights or signs then you can drive defensively and avoid an accident or worse. Some people don't care who they hurt as long as they get to their destination. I've saved my own life multiple times while driving here just by being prepared when others to do the wrong thing. Also, don't expect for cars to stop when a gait is broken even though there is a stop sign at the broken gait. My husband was on the cart at the Liberty Park gait, which is broken, and a car blew right through the double stop sign. If my husband hadn't anticipated the car not stopping he could have been killed. It's where we live so you may as well get used to it.

[applesoffh]

I can't stand it! I also can't understand why people don't use their directionals! As far as I know, that's not optional equipment on cars, and I hate the fact that my mind-reading skills have deteriorated so with age.

[villagetinker]

I stop for stop signs, and I use my turn signals,(even turning into my own driveway at 2 in the morning) that is the way my grandfather taught me to drive. So what do you think of a program to have fellow villagers do the same? No idea how we would accomplish this but I think it would be a great idea. Bumper stickers??

[Stdole]

Come on Sheriff's Dept. get with the program... you see it as we see it also.. what's the reason for not coming down with that summons book.
As the old saying goes "You will not catch all the fish but there will be a few caught" and believe me the word gets around in several months of enforcement.

I also wonder about many folks in The Villages how they make it this far in life without being killed by a moving car many years ago... I am telling you I have never seen more adults walking out of stores right into moving traffic from the grocery stores, home improvements etc etc.. some even look at me right on top of them, hoping I will stop! Not too much value on their life as I see it... Accidents will happen but to knowingly walk directly into moving traffic.. tell me what I should be understanding here...

But back to original thread... You are most correct on the stop signs.. or slow down sign?

[NYGUY]

....I also can't understand why people don't use their directionals!....

When we moved to Florida 25 years ago, I quickly realized that the use of directional signals were optional!!:confused:

[slipcovers]

Come on Sheriff's Dept. get with the program... you see it as we see it also.. what's the reason for not coming down with that summons book.
As the old saying goes "You will not catch all the fish but there will be a few caught" and believe me the word gets around in several months of enforcement.

I also wonder about many folks in The Villages how they make it this far in life without being killed by a moving car many years ago... I am telling you I have never seen more adults walking out of stores right into moving traffic from the grocery stores, home improvements etc etc.. some even look at me right on top of them, hoping I will stop! Not too much value on their life as I see it... Accidents will happen but to knowingly walk directly into moving traffic.. tell me what I should be understanding here...

But back to original thread... You are most correct on the stop signs.. or slow down sign?

There are people that actually believe that the roundabouts should be removed and replaced with stop signs. I can just imagine what a nightmare that would be.

[bonrich]

Seems like it is no turn signals, tailgating, and "I am going to make it through that light" is the standard. Of course with age comes changes in driving habits, not as aggressive and more defensive since we have such a melange of drivers here from all over the country and what is standard somewhere else may not be in Florida.

[MikeV]

I find the same thing here. Rolling through Stop signs and not stopping before Right on Red is the norm. I come from "up north" and one reason I can think of is that it is so flat here that drivers feel they can see far enough down the road. If there is no traffic within what they feel is a safe distance they just blow rich on through many times with no turn signal on.

[BobnBev]

Am I the only one who comes to a full stop at stop signs, only to watch a Lexus or SUV barely slow down an blow right through the intersection? Doesn't mater if you are in another car, a cart or walking....your safety is of no concern to them. Where is the community watch or the sheriff's deputies? Here's a hint, watch Belle Meade at Argyle or Nancy Lopez, you'll make your quota in a day. Also, if it's bad now, what's it going to be like in season?

What if I sit on the corner and video the license plates of those who refuse to stop, will anybody care?

No.1--Community Watch has nothing to with stop signs...no enforcement power at all.

No.2--There is no quota system in FL.--Quotas are against the law.
Don't believe me?, just ask the cops in Waldo.

In season will be a whole lot worse.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Am I the only one who comes to a full stop at stop signs, only to watch a Lexus or SUV barely slow down an blow right through the intersection? Doesn't mater if you are in another car, a cart or walking....your safety is of no concern to them. Where is the community watch or the sheriff's deputies? Here's a hint, watch Belle Meade at Argyle or Nancy Lopez, you'll make your quota in a day. Also, if it's bad now, what's it going to be like in season?

What if I sit on the corner and video the license plates of those who refuse to stop, will anybody care?

Here is an idea... put on some dark clothing and a black or dark blue baseball cap... grab a hairdryer and stand on the side of the road aiming it at traffic. See how fast they hit their breaks!

Spending the summers in TN countryside we have to watch out for pick-up trucks pulling their bass boats down the middle of the narrow country roads. In the winter we deal with the Village Idiots LOL. Life is alway a challenge so pay attention.

[billethkid]

No enforcement = no fear!

A sure fire, 100% effective incentive is to offer something for free for stopping at stop signs.

When we get back from being away for any length of time it is extremely noticeable how aggressive the drivers are here. And thet for sure expect them not to stop and if they are waiting to enter the road you are on they will 99% of the time pull out in front of you.

Forget the speed limits....they are optional as well.

And traffic circles.....GOOD LUCK!!!

The traffic here is not a problem. The abundance of unlawful and discourteous driving is my only complaint about living in TV. Defensive driving is the order of the day here.

[NYGUY]

....There is no quota system in FL.--Quotas are against the law.
Don't believe me?, just ask the cops in Waldo....

:1rotfl: and, who is going to believe the cops in Waldo, or anywhere in Florida for that matter!!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I've lived in several different states in this country and don't notice any difference in the way drivers drive here and any place else.

As far a "blowing though" stop signs, I really don't see people doing that either. I do see some people come to a complete stop and seemingly count to five or something when it is perfectly safe to proceed. I also see some people slow down enough to see that it is perfectly safe to proceed and then do so.

As far as enforcement, the Sherrif's Dept or most other LEs are not going to harass people when they are not posing a safety risk. A driver that slows down to five miles per hour at a stop sing and can see for a half of a mile in either direction, then continues without make a "full and complete stop with zero rotation of the wheels" is not endangering anyone.

And before everyone starts with the letter of the law, I am quite aware of what it says. I'm just saying that as long as drivers proceed safely it would be unreasonable to ticket them.

I had a woman who was fully stopped at an intersection pull out in front of me when I was only few yards from the intersection. I was approaching from her left. she looked right at me and then turned to look to her right. when she saw no one coming from her right she puled out and went straight across the intersection. She must have forgotten that I was coming from the other direction. So much for the full and complete stop being so safe.

Now if someone truly blows through a stop sign and causes an accident or causes someone to jam on their brakes in order to avoid a collision they deserve to be ticketed.

[DonH57]

Driving defensively is the order of the day here in TV. I can't count how many times I've seen a car come down a side street to my right and blow thru the stop sign not even looking to their left to see if someone is there. How these people are still alive is beyond me.

[John_W]

I've lived in several different states in this country and don't notice any difference in the way drivers drive here and any place else.

As far a "blowing though" stop signs, I really don't see people doing that either. I do see some people come to a complete stop and seemingly count to five or something when it is perfectly safe to proceed. I also see some people slow down enough to see that it is perfectly safe to proceed and then do so.


I agree with the Doctor, I haven't noticed it any different or a big problem. The exception would be 'turning right on red'. It seems if your oncoming car is not within 50' of the intersection they will turn right in front of you even if you're going 50 mph. On 466 and 466A people really should consider the speed of the approaching vehicle combined with the distance before pulling into your path. I know many years ago when I drove a motorcycle, I had to learn to be a defensive driver for these type events or it would adios.

My biggest gripe is not using turn signals and driving in the left lane on 466 and 466A at a slow speed. Everyday I'm going either east or west on 466A and cars will clog up the left lane, I guess in anticipation of some turn they need to make in 3 or 4 miles. How inconvenient it must be to have to drive in the right lane and let faster cars go by.

Turn signals should be for warning drivers of your intentions in advance and not to already state the obvious. If you're in the turn lane, then putting on your turn signal after you've entered the lane is rather useless. If you had put on your turn signal 50 yards before changing lanes to enter the turning lane, then you would be providing some notice and would be labeled a considerate driver.

[Autoshow]

Anyone who can do anything about blowing through stop signs and red lights will not be at the right place at the right time to do anything about it. It's part of driving here. If you go about your day anticipating that people won't stop for lights or signs then you can drive defensively and avoid an accident or worse. Some people don't care who they hurt as long as they get to their destination. I've saved my own life multiple times while driving here just by being prepared when others to do the wrong thing. Also, don't expect for cars to stop when a gait is broken even though there is a stop sign at the broken gait. My husband was on the cart at the Liberty Park gait, which is broken, and a car blew right through the double stop sign. If my husband hadn't anticipated the car not stopping he could have been killed. It's where we live so you may as well get used to it.

You got the perfect answer,that's exactly what I do,it is called defensive driving.

[Rango]

I'm seasonal. In my home county everyone uses turn signals and stop at stop signs.

We also have 3 reported rapes a week and average 20 murders per year.

We sure have a serious problem here in The Villages

[NYGUY]

I've lived in several different states in this country and don't notice any difference in the way drivers drive here and any place else.

As far a "blowing though" stop signs, I really don't see people doing that either. I do see some people come to a complete stop and seemingly count to five or something when it is perfectly safe to proceed. I also see some people slow down enough to see that it is perfectly safe to proceed and then do so.

As far as enforcement, the Sherrif's Dept or most other LEs are not going to harass people when they are not posing a safety risk. A driver that slows down to five miles per hour at a stop sing and can see for a half of a mile in either direction, then continues without make a "full and complete stop with zero rotation of the wheels" is not endangering anyone.

And before everyone starts with the letter of the law, I am quite aware of what it says. I'm just saying that as long as drivers proceed safely it would be unreasonable to ticket them.

I had a woman who was fully stopped at an intersection pull out in front of me when I was only few yards from the intersection. I was approaching from her left. she looked right at me and then turned to look to her right. when she saw no one coming from her right she puled out and went straight across the intersection. She must have forgotten that I was coming from the other direction. So much for the full and complete stop being so safe.

Now if someone truly blows through a stop sign and causes an accident or causes someone to jam on their brakes in order to avoid a collision they deserve to be ticketed.

:agree:

[graciegirl]

I stop for stop signs, and I use my turn signals,(even turning into my own driveway at 2 in the morning) that is the way my grandfather taught me to drive. So what do you think of a program to have fellow villagers do the same? No idea how we would accomplish this but I think it would be a great idea. Bumper stickers??


Naw. Beatings and public stocks at all squares is my suggestion.

http://www.unb.ca/saintjohn/arts/projects/crimepunishment/_resources/stocks.jpg

In my golf cart I was stopped at a stop sign, being sure I was clear and a guy in his golf cart went around me.

I have already told about this several times on this forum. Some will remember that I noted what team sticker was on his golf cart.

[justjim]

Drivers come to a rolling stop everywhere. We use to live on a relative busy street in Illinois and one house from the corner stop sign. About half of the cars came to a complete stop. I know because I sit on my front porch sometimes drinking my morning coffee. I can remember only one accident in the five years we lived there and that was a rear end accident.

TV is no different from any place else IMHO.

[slipcovers]

I'm seasonal. In my home county everyone uses turn signals and stop at stop signs.

We also have 3 reported rapes a week and average 20 murders per year.

We sure have a serious problem here in The Villages

What??????? Could you explain your post??

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Driving defensively is the order of the day here in TV. I can't count how many times I've seen a car come down a side street to my right and blow thru the stop sign not even looking to their left to see if someone is there. How these people are still alive is beyond me.

I agree that completely blowing through a stop sign without slowing down or looking is very dangerous.

The thing is that so many of the intersections here have great visibility. You can often see a quarter of a mile in every direction when you are approaching fifty yards from the intersection. In those cases people that slow down and proceed safely are not driving dangerously.

Although I'm sure it happens, I don't think I've personally ever seen anyone down here completely blow through a stop sign without slowing down any looking.

[Bizdoc]

I regularly see the Tour de France re-enactors blow thru stop signs, yield signs and red lights. And the accident reports are pretty clear that lots of folks blow thru stop signs. Collective death wish?

[kb8tpw]

This entire thread does much to validate my thoughts about the largest portion of the Villages population. They think the world owes them and they are going to do what they darn well want to. It is a prevalent attitude in this place !! if the shoe fits, well.......

[Christine G]

Thought it was compulsory to stop at a red light before turning right etc etc, rolling through the light is illegal and rewarded if caught, by a fine, unfortunately there don't seem to be any red light cameras here! In Lakeland, they constantly caught people doing it and the police constantly reminded everyone that it IS compulsory to come to a complete stop before turning right. Seen people turning left on a red light in front of oncoming traffic, they don't seem to care much if they kill themselves or anyone else. You have to drive with your wits about you all the time, and anticipate what these crazy drivers are going to do next.

[NYGUY]

....unfortunately there don't seem to be any red light cameras here....

THANK GOD....they are nothing more than another government money grab....can you spell TAX!!!:cus:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I regularly see the Tour de France re-enactors blow thru stop signs, yield signs and red lights. And the accident reports are pretty clear that lots of folks blow thru stop signs. Collective death wish?

You have access to accident reports that show a good number of accidents caused by people blowing through stops signs? Where can I see them? How many of this types of accidents have there been?

[Miles42]

I am beginning to think that rolling stops are a way of life for citizens of the USA. it is nation wide not just here in The Villages.

[Bonanza]

There are people that actually believe that the roundabouts should be removed and replaced with stop signs. I can just imagine what a nightmare that would be.

Yes, I'm one of those people!

The circles are a hazard because everyone drives them differently and they are too small in diameter for the purpose they were designed to handle.
Or were they simply put in as eye candy for would-be buyers to say how beautiful they are???
Did you have all these circles where you came from? No! No one did.
You had traffic lights and stop signs.
Were they a problem?
I'm sure not, with perhaps an issue or two here and there which could happen anywhere.

The truth of the matter is that the circles are a nightmare.
They do not control traffic; they only confuse and intimidate most driveers.
No one knows how to drive around them.

So why would stop signs be so terrible here when stop signs are what everyone that lives here is used to and probably what they grew up with their entire life.

Huh?

[Bonanza]

Here is an idea... put on some dark clothing and a black or dark blue baseball cap... grab a hairdryer and stand on the side of the road aiming it at traffic. See how fast they hit their breaks!

Spending the summers in TN countryside we have to watch out for pick-up trucks pulling their bass boats down the middle of the narrow country roads. In the winter we deal with the Village Idiots LOL. Life is alway a challenge so pay attention.

Soooo funny and soooo true!

I like your idea about hair dryers.

[Bonanza]

I'm seasonal. In my home county everyone uses turn signals and stop at stop signs.

We also have 3 reported rapes a week and average 20 murders per year.

We sure have a serious problem here in The Villages

What??????? Could you explain your post??

It's pretty obvious that Rango thinks there isn't any problem here in TV,
when you take into consideration what is going on in other cities.

What's happening here is "small potatoes" in comparison.

Rango, I like your humor!

[blueeagle65]

There must be a literacy problem here regarding the STOP signs. Stupid is as stupid does. :police:

[Christine G]

THANK GOD....they are nothing more than another government money grab....can you spell TAX!!!:cus:

I don't need a taxi thanks, I obey the rules of the road and the laws of the state , thanks very much!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Yes, I'm one of those people!

The circles are a hazard because everyone drives them differently and they are too small in diameter for the purpose they were designed to handle.
Or were they simply put in as eye candy for would-be buyers to say how beautiful they are???
Did you have all these circles where you came from? No! No one did.
You had traffic lights and stop signs.
Were they a problem?
I'm sure not, with perhaps an issue or two here and there which could happen anywhere.

The truth of the matter is that the circles are a nightmare.
They do not control traffic; they only confuse and intimidate most driveers.
No one knows how to drive around them.

So why would stop signs be so terrible here when stop signs are what everyone that lives here is used to and probably what they grew up with their entire life.

Huh?

I had traffic circles where I come from and they are very common in Europe. There have also been studies that show they are safer and more efficient than intersections. I know how to drive around them and most people that I observe while I'm driving seem to know how to drive around them as well. We're not a bunch of morons.

I would agree that if you're from a place that doesn't have round a bouts then it may take a few times driving in them to get used to it. In addition, when I came to pick up the keys for my house, a Villages representative went over the rules for driving in them. It's pretty simple.

Do you have any statistics on how many accidents occur in round a bouts in this community of over 100,000 residents?

[Christine G]

Those that roll through the red lights probably also are the ones who don't pick up after their dogs, don't thank or tip for good service, do drop litter, are rude to shop assistants and so on, ad infinitum! All part of their mind set that says no-one going to tell me what to do! So happy I am not one of them for sure and you don't pay fines for red light running if you don't run the red lights!

[dirtbanker]

Those that roll through the red lights probably also are the ones who don't pick up after their dogs, don't thank or tip for good service, do drop litter, are rude to shop assistants and so on, ad infinitum! All part of their mind set that says no-one going to tell me what to do! So happy I am not one of them for sure and you don't pay fines for red light running if you don't run the red lights!

Also believe the world is THEIR ashtray as they throw the cigarette butts out the window of the car or on the sidewalk.

[slipcovers]

It's pretty obvious that Rango thinks there isn't any problem here in TV,
when you take into consideration what is going on in other cities.

What's happening here is "small potatoes" in comparison.

Rango, I like your humor!

Excuse me,BONANZA, my question was to Rambo.....what County would have 20 murders? And there is nothing humorous about rapes and murders.

[Pointer]

How about a sign at the Village entrances that say; You're now entering a 55 and older Golf Cart community. Please leave your old habits behind. Some of us are slowing up so you should too!
P.S. It's a law to stop for pedestrians, red lights and stop signs.

[NYGUY]

I don't need a taxi thanks, I obey the rules of the road and the laws of the state , thanks very much!

LOL Christine....check back, the word in the post was tax, not taxi....too funny!!

[villagetinker]

Two points on circles, back in PA there is one in Easton, PA, that to this day I have no idea how to use it. They actually have TRAFFIC SIGNALS on it, with only red and yellow lamps! I avoid it a all costs. They converted the intersection of route 29 and 73 to a circle a few years ago, and I must say it improved traffic flow considerably. I need to point out it is SINGLE LANE WIDE, and I believe this is the reason it works so well.

I would be a very interesting experiment to take traffic cones, and convert the existing TV circles to SINGLE LANE. I think this would eliminate a lot of problems.
Just my thoughts.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Two points on circles, back in PA there is one in Easton, PA, that to this day I have no idea how to use it. They actually have TRAFFIC SIGNALS on it, with only red and yellow lamps! I avoid it a all costs. They converted the intersection of route 29 and 73 to a circle a few years ago, and I must say it improved traffic flow considerably. I need to point out it is SINGLE LANE WIDE, and I believe this is the reason it works so well.

I would be a very interesting experiment to take traffic cones, and convert the existing TV circles to SINGLE LANE. I think this would eliminate a lot of problems.
Just my thoughts.

Really? You think that thousands of people trying to merge either before or while entering the round a bout would be safer than the simple method of just staying in your lane?

[janmcn]

How about a sign at the Village entrances that say; You're now entering a 55 and older Golf Cart community. Please leave your old habits behind. Some of us are slowing up so you should too!
P.S. It's a law to stop for pedestrians, red lights and stop signs.

Excellent idea. Anybody that has a problem with elderly drivers, here's a hint, don't move to a retirement community. Florida, like most states, does not require anyone to retake a driving test just because they are aging. All residents are getting older, not younger.

[denise adams]

Can you provide some education to us on how to enter and exit the circles? I think I know the only legal way to do it (per the Sheriff's Dept) but wanted to hear what you'd say. If I'm right, a perfectly safe exit from the circle is impossible

"Its sometimes OK to roll through stop signs if you can clearly see no traffic coming from either direction" was one of the quotes on this thread. Where does the law say thats OK? Or is it more of an "attitude" by the driver?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I just had an interesting incident. As I was riding my bike, I was approaching and intersection to my left about 50 yards in front of me. A car came through the intersection and made a right turn. A car behind him came to a complete stop at the stop sign, looked at me, looked to his left and then pulled out right in front of me and I jammed on my brakes. As he was coming out of the intersection, he looked back toward me and cut off the corner of the intersection and stayed in the wrong lane for a little bit in order to avoid me colliding with him.

I guess for some people he was fine because he came to a complete stop at the stop sign.

As I continued my ride, I stopped at several busy intersections and noticed that not one car came to a full and complete stop with zero rotation of the wheels and not one of these cars caused any kind of a problem. They could see very well in every direction while rolling a four or five mph. They all proceeded very safely. But the guy that came to a full stop, almost caused and accident.

I go back to my point and say that it's not always about following the letter of the law and getting all the little details correct. It's about using common sense to proceed safely.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Can you provide some education to us on how to enter and exit the circles? I think I know the only legal way to do it (per the Sheriff's Dept) but wanted to hear what you'd say. If I'm right, a perfectly safe exit from the circle is impossible

"Its sometimes OK to roll through stop signs if you can clearly see no traffic coming from either direction" was one of the quotes on this thread. Where does the law say thats OK? Or is it more of an "attitude" by the driver?

If you are entering the round about at six o'clock and are going to exit it at three o'clock should use the left hand lane. If you're planning on exiting it at 12:00 you can use either lane. If your going to exit at 9:00 or continue all around and exit where you entered, you should use the left hand lane. How is it that a perfectly safe exit is not possible?

A driver obviously needs to be aware of other cars around him and sometimes we need to make a decision on whether to go in front of a car or slow down and let that car pass. These decisions are made all the time whether or not you're in a round a bout.

[tommy steam]

People will roll thru stop signs until the get a ticket for a moving violation and their insurance goes up. I always stop, full at stop signs. I don't interpret the law to suit myself.

[Christine G]

Lol, taxi or tax, cost you dollars to pay for either.

[justjim]

If you are entering the round about at six o'clock and are going to exit it at three o'clock should use the left hand lane. If you're planning on exiting it at 12:00 you can use either lane. If your going to exit at 9:00 or continue all around and exit where you entered, you should use the left hand lane. How is it that a perfectly safe exit is not possible?

A driver obviously needs to be aware of other cars around him and sometimes we need to make a decision on whether to go in front of a car or slow down and let that car pass. These decisions are made all the time whether or not you're in a round a bout.

Dr. I think you meant right lane if you enter the round about at 6:00 and exit at 3:00. Studies do show the round abouts are efficient.

[JCMSr]

While I agree that "most" of the time it is possible to perform a safe right hand turn at an intersection without coming to a complete stop this still does not make this action legal! If the sign says Stop then do so or face the consequences. If the sign say Yield you can proceed without first stopping.

[KeepingItReal]

Maybe we need a few of these.....

[Christine G]

Yes!

[denise adams]

Dr. I think you meant right lane if you enter the round about at 6:00 and exit at 3:00. Studies do show the round abouts are efficient.
Like you, I also hope Dr. meant the right lane. But, to continue with his scenario, think about this:
Car enters from 6 o'clock and wants to exit at 12 o'clock (get in the left or right lane per Dr. instructions). At the same time, another car enters at 3 o'clock and wants to exit at 9 o'clock (right lane per Dr.). How does the car coming from 3 o'clock continue past 12 o'clock if the 6 o'clock vehicle is in the left lane?
BTW, the sheriff says if you go 1/4 or 1/2 the way around, use the right lane. if you go 3/4, use the left lane. But, wait a minute, they also say STOP at STOP signs, not slow and go so they can't be right:police:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Dr. I think you meant right lane if you enter the round about at 6:00 and exit at 3:00. Studies do show the round abouts are efficient.

Of course you are correct. sorry about that.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Like you, I also hope Dr. meant the right lane. But, to continue with his scenario, think about this:
Car enters from 6 o'clock and wants to exit at 12 o'clock (get in the left or right lane per Dr. instructions). At the same time, another car enters at 3 o'clock and wants to exit at 9 o'clock (right lane per Dr.). How does the car coming from 3 o'clock continue past 12 o'clock if the 6 o'clock vehicle is in the left lane?
BTW, the sheriff says if you go 1/4 or 1/2 the way around, use the right lane. if you go 3/4, use the left lane. But, wait a minute, they also say STOP at STOP signs, not slow and go so they can't be right:police:

It's very simple. You have to either go in front or or behind the other car. You check your mirror before entering the round a bout and make a decision. In fact when I see another car entering the roundabout I start planning on where I'm going to go.

I've been here for a year and a half and have never had a problem.

Are people driving with blindfolds on? Can they not see the other cars? Do they not have mirrors on their cars?

It's not rocket science. Make sure that your car and another car don't try to occupy the same space at the same time.

[Mikeod]

Like you, I also hope Dr. meant the right lane. But, to continue with his scenario, think about this:
Car enters from 6 o'clock and wants to exit at 12 o'clock (get in the left or right lane per Dr. instructions). At the same time, another car enters at 3 o'clock and wants to exit at 9 o'clock (right lane per Dr.). How does the car coming from 3 o'clock continue past 12 o'clock if the 6 o'clock vehicle is in the left lane?
BTW, the sheriff says if you go 1/4 or 1/2 the way around, use the right lane. if you go 3/4, use the left lane. But, wait a minute, they also say STOP at STOP signs, not slow and go so they can't be right:police:

The car coming from 3 o'clock should not enter until after the cars that entered at 6 o'clock have passed. You don't enter if there are cars in either lane to your left already in the roundabout. That means that even if there is only a car in the inside lane, you still don't enter the outside lane until they have passed. This prevents the scenario you described from happening.

[Bonanza]

I don't need a taxi thanks, I obey the rules of the road and the laws of the state , thanks very much!

NYGUY didn't say taxi . . .

He said T A X !!!

[NYGUY]

....It's not rocket science....

Don't be so sure....:22yikes:

[NYGUY]

NYGUY didn't say taxi . . .

He said T A X !!!

Thanks Bonanza, I tried, but somedays it does no good!!

[dotti105]

Anywhere you might be, you will find drivers who think the laws do not apply to the. Thus the stop sign issues.

Cameras would be very effective in catching those offenders. Word would spread like wildfire and The Villages would be a safer place to drive, certainly.

The "round a bouts" are a very effective means of traffic control. There are simply too many drivers who do not understand how to use them and want to make up their own rules. That is what makes them dangerous. If everyone drove them as intended, there would not be a problem.

Pedestrians do have the right of way. Coming out of a store where there is a marked crosswalk it is the drivers responsibility to yield to the pedestrians. There is often a series of shoppers leaving and it can be frustrating to wait. But it is the drivers who are to yield.

I'm not talking about "jay walkers". I'm talking about marked crosswalks in shopping areas.

Many people have a "me first" attitude and feel entitled behind the wheel. We all need to drive very defensively and with courtesy. That would solve any of the problems we see here. Oh yes, and call about getting cameras put in at major intersections. It would be safer and a real moneymaker for these small counties.

[Pointer]

I don't think that putting camera's on stop signs is a very good idea. The cost would be prohibitive. I'd rather think that we don't need more big brother monitoring our behavior, but that we can manage without it.

[CFrance]

The car coming from 3 o'clock should not enter until after the cars that entered at 6 o'clock have passed. You don't enter if there are cars in either lane to your left already in the roundabout. That means that even if there is only a car in the inside lane, you still don't enter the outside lane until they have passed. This prevents the scenario you described from happening.
That's the part that a lot of folks don't get, or adhere to. The yield signs at the roundabout entrances mean yield to both lanes. If there is someone in either lane, don't enter till they've passed and both lanes are clear. And don't pass anyone, either.

[JCMSr]

That's the part that a lot of folks don't get, or adhere to. The yield signs at the roundabout entrances mean yield to both lanes. If there is someone in either lane, don't enter till they've passed and both lanes are clear. And don't pass anyone, either.

Could not agree more with this! Cannot count the number of times I have watched a driver enter the roundabout from the right lane, move to the left land at 3:00 and then back to the right to exit at 12:00. For what? Just so they can speed through the roundabout a few miles an hour faster??? I just wait until both lanes are clear and proceed.

[Christine G]

This topic has been going on too long, tax, taxi, who cares, just be careful out there!

[slipcovers]

Yes, I'm one of those people!

The circles are a hazard because everyone drives them differently and they are too small in diameter for the purpose they were designed to handle.
Or were they simply put in as eye candy for would-be buyers to say how beautiful they are???
Did you have all these circles where you came from? No! No one did.
You had traffic lights and stop signs.
Were they a problem?
I'm sure not, with perhaps an issue or two here and there which could happen anywhere.

The truth of the matter is that the circles are a nightmare.
They do not control traffic; they only confuse and intimidate most driveers.
No one knows how to drive around them.

So why would stop signs be so terrible here when stop signs are what everyone that lives here is used to and probably what they grew up with their entire life.

Huh?


HELLO !! Everyone posting on this thread is saying how dangerous stop signs are.

If you get rid of the circles and wanted to go in the opposite direction, one would have to turn right and go to the next traffic light and make a u turn...of course there would have to be another lane for turning,,, making BV or Morse a 3 lane each side. People would still try to run the light or perhaps drive across 6 lanes of traffic. But of course, you are the expert.

People need more education on the circles....homeowners need to leave very detailed instructions for renters. Daily Sun also should. There are no more traffic problems in TV than any other desirable part of Florida. Old people are very dangerous so, as someone posted, Drive defensively.


There are plenty of circles where I come from in different sizes. Cape Cod has them everywhere and traffic in the Summer is worse than TV. Circles are all over the UK and Australia....Mostly small ones. Encountered many in California.

[Bonanza]

HELLO !! Everyone posting on this thread is saying how dangerous stop signs are.

If you get rid of the circles and wanted to go in the opposite direction, one would have to turn right and go to the next traffic light and make a u turn...of course there would have to be another lane for turning,,, making BV or Morse a 3 lane each side. People would still try to run the light or perhaps drive across 6 lanes of traffic. But of course, you are the expert.

People need more education on the circles....homeowners need to leave very detailed instructions for renters. Daily Sun also should. There are no more traffic problems in TV than any other desirable part of Florida. Old people are very dangerous so, as someone posted, Drive defensively.

There are plenty of circles where I come from in different sizes. Cape Cod has them everywhere and traffic in the Summer is worse than TV. Circles are all over the UK and Australia....Mostly small ones. Encountered many in California.

HELLO!!!

EVERYONE posting on this thread is not saying how dangerous stop signs are. Everyone means 100%.
I never said I was an expert. You said it and that comment is offensive.

Removing a circle would create tons of room for making a left or right hand turn.
You would not have to make Buena Vista and Morse three lanes; there would not be a reason to do that.
Of course removing them would never happen and we are only speaking hypothetically.
However, unless there's something wrong with my thinking, if a circle was removed and you wanted to go in the opposite direction,
you simply make a U-turn at the intersection.
And yes -- a turn lane could be created because it would be so easy to do.

People do not need more education regarding navigating circles.
Everyone drives them in a different way and you will never convince the public at learge to all do it the same way.
It's always "the other guy" who is wrong.

Homeowners and the newspaper need to leave detailed instructions to renters? Isn't that going a little too far?
Having lived in Florida for many years, yes -- there are more traffic problems here than other parts of Florida,
particularly in areas which are flooded with snowbirds in season.

People run red lights and stop signs all over the world and nothing is going to change.
It happens and will continue to happen. Nothing new there.

Where is it that you are from that there are plenty of circles?
You mention other specific areas but failed to mention that.

There are circles in all areas of the country, but there is no place that is overwhelmed with them as here.
Yes, Australia has some and in the UK they are very old. Not a good example.
I don't know what part of California you mean, but I have never encountered "many of them."
I think some of your comments are exaggerations.

[Bonanza]

I'm seasonal. In my home county everyone uses turn signals and stop at stop signs.

We also have 3 reported rapes a week and average 20 murders per year.

We sure have a serious problem here in The Villages

Excuse me,BONANZA, my question was to Rambo.....what County would have 20 murders? And there is nothing humorous about rapes and murders.

Rambo made a post for anyone to read.
Everyone is entitled to comment to a post made on this forum because it is public.

Rambo did not say there was anything humorous about rapes and murders.
However, his comment, if understood, was funny.
He was simply pointing out how insignificant the issue of stops signs,
turn signals, etc., is when compared to rapes and murders.

Obviously, he was being facetious in saying we have a serious problem here in TV!

[dotti105]

Wow! People are really blowing this out of proportion. I don't think any comments are to be taken personally. It is a topic of concern and various viewpoints will be expressed.

Why are some of you on the offense here? Very odd.

Lots of roundabouts in the Salt Lake City suburbs in Utah. Lots in Clearwater, Florida, lots in Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, areas of Ca. Many places with newer neighborhoods are using roundabouts to expedite traffic control. My hubby retired from Utah dept of transportation and we see them everywhere we travel.

They are new to many and seem strange at first, but are a great way to keep traffic in all directions moving. Caution is the key, as always, when driving.

Drive defensively and with courtesy!! Simple as that! Oh, good idea to obey traffic laws too. Like stop signs!!!

[slipcovers]

It's pretty obvious that Rango thinks there isn't any problem here in TV,
when you take into consideration what is going on in other cities.

What's happening here is "small potatoes" in comparison.

Rango, I like your humor!

No, Rango did not find it humorous,...this was your quote.


According to Wikapedia "At junctions with stop signs or traffic lights, the most serious accidents are right angle, left turn or head on collisions, where vehicles move fast and collide at high impact angles, e.g. head on. Roundabouts virtually eliminate those types of crashes. Instead, most crashes are glancing blows at low angles of impact."


I cant imagine trying to make a u turn at a stop sign, proceeding across 4 lanes of traffic to head in the opposite direction. One would definitely need side air bags.

[Bill Tasker]

We have vacationed at TV for years (18+) and I have to say as far as driving goes, this vacation was the rudest I have ever experienced at TV. Aggressive, short tempered, horn blowing, bird flying, ignoring stop signs, yelling, etc.. On one occasion I was cut off by a cart driver at LSL, making an illegal left turn on a red light almost causing the tailgater behind me to hit us. He then proceeded to yell he has the right of way “because he lives there.” At another intersection as soon as the light turned green, the gal behind me in her SUV blows her horn. I guess she was late for her tee time.

[Chazz]

Could not agree more with this! Cannot count the number of times I have watched a driver enter the roundabout from the right lane, move to the left land at 3:00 and then back to the right to exit at 12:00. For what? Just so they can speed through the roundabout a few miles an hour faster??? I just wait until both lanes are clear and proceed.

Ahh, lane surfing! That's a pet peeve of mine, and can be very dangerous.

Regarding our roundabouts and the rules for traveling in them, there are signs that indicate the proper usage in the approaches to each of them

[Kahuna32162]

And how do those signs help you when someone cuts in front of you to because you were following the rules and they didn't have a clue? This is not a snow bird thing, it happens everyday.

[Kahuna32162]

Also, I think we should put this to rest, it's getting ugly!

[Bonanza]

That's the part that a lot of folks don't get, or adhere to. The yield signs at the roundabout entrances mean yield to both lanes. If there is someone in either lane, don't enter till they've passed and both lanes are clear. And don't pass anyone, either.

Could not agree more with this! Cannot count the number of times I have watched a driver enter the roundabout from the right lane, move to the left land at 3:00 and then back to the right to exit at 12:00. For what? Just so they can speed through the roundabout a few miles an hour faster??? I just wait until both lanes are clear and proceed.

You are absolutely correct in what you are saying. But here's where the real problem is:

The green sign as you approach the circle, tells you how you should drive around the circle. But then you get to the actual circle where we have painted lines within the circle. The painted lines belie what the green signs say. Dotted lines on any road, say you can change lanes.

Is it any wonder the circles are a problem? In actuality, the guy who was changing lanes was within his legal right, according to the dotted lines.

So which do you follow . . . the green sign or the dotted lines???
:shrug:

[Bonanza]

No, Rango did not find it humorous,...this was your quote.


According to Wikapedia "At junctions with stop signs or traffic lights, the most serious accidents are right angle, left turn or head on collisions, where vehicles move fast and collide at high impact angles, e.g. head on. Roundabouts virtually eliminate those types of crashes. Instead, most crashes are glancing blows at low angles of impact."


I cant imagine trying to make a u turn at a stop sign, proceeding across 4 lanes of traffic to head in the opposite direction. One would definitely need side air bags.

You need to make your posts more clear. It appears that your quote was referencing me when you mentioned Rango's comment about rapes and murders. This was your quote verbatim:


Originally Posted by slipcovers View Post

Excuse me,BONANZA, my question was to Rango.....what County would have 20 murders? And there is nothing humorous about rapes and murders.

Regarding the Wikipedia (correct spelling) quote. Where did the quote come from. Wikipedia always makes reference to the source.

Also, I never said anything regarding making a U-turn at a stop sign. A U-turn can be at a traffic light or in the middle of a road or actually, anywhere there is a turn lane.

You still haven't mentioned what city you were from where you said there are many circles. Where is this?

[Jaggy]

I am making a public vow to quit reading this thread, It is hurting my brain .

[yabbadu]

And how do those signs help you when someone cuts in front of you to because you were following the rules and they didn't have a clue? This is not a snow bird thing, it happens everyday.

No different than when one cuts you off on any road anywhere!

[Djembe dude]

It is just like the people who have golf carts that go over 20 mph. You can't fix stupid.

[coffeebean]

Yes, I'm one of those people!

The circles are a hazard because everyone drives them differently and they are too small in diameter for the purpose they were designed to handle.
Or were they simply put in as eye candy for would-be buyers to say how beautiful they are???
Did you have all these circles where you came from? No! No one did.
You had traffic lights and stop signs.
Were they a problem?
I'm sure not, with perhaps an issue or two here and there which could happen anywhere.

The truth of the matter is that the circles are a nightmare.
They do not control traffic; they only confuse and intimidate most driveers.
No one knows how to drive around them.

So why would stop signs be so terrible here when stop signs are what everyone that lives here is used to and probably what they grew up with their entire life.

Huh?

Have you ever come to a four way stop and no one knows who's turn it is to proceed? It is anxiety producing to say the least. IMHO, the RABs are very safe if you drive them defensively. That is the key. I NEVER allow anyone to drive beside me. I will alter my speed so NO ONE is ever beside me.....EVER. I've never had a problem in the RABs and I'm here during the winter months when it is busiest on the roads.

[coffeebean]

I don't need a taxi thanks, I obey the rules of the road and the laws of the state , thanks very much!

The word is TAX not TAXI. I think you might have misread that. LOL.

[coffeebean]

....... He then proceeded to yell he has the right of way “because he lives there.” .......

You can't be serious!!!

[Bonanza]

Have you ever come to a four way stop and no one knows who's turn it is to proceed? It is anxiety producing to say the least. IMHO, the RABs are very safe if you drive them defensively. That is the key. I NEVER allow anyone to drive beside me. I will alter my speed so NO ONE is ever beside me.....EVER. I've never had a problem in the RABs and I'm here during the winter months when it is busiest on the roads.

What you are saying is true and correct.
However, I've said it before . . . Not everyone does what you do!
No one drives these circles the same way!
Therein lies the problem!!!

[Bonanza]

Have you ever come to a four way stop and no one knows who's turn it is to proceed? It is anxiety producing to say the least. IMHO, the RABs are very safe if you drive them defensively. That is the key. I NEVER allow anyone to drive beside me. I will alter my speed so NO ONE is ever beside me.....EVER. I've never had a problem in the RABs and I'm here during the winter months when it is busiest on the roads.

A 4-way stop sign is a no brainer.
You always yield to the person on the right meaning that if the guy on the right got to the stop first, he goes first.
If you really aren't sure, you let him go first.

Unfortunately, navigating the circles is a whole 'nother story!

[coffeebean]

A 4-way stop sign is a no brainer.
You always yield to the person on the right meaning that if the guy on the right got to the stop first, he goes first.
If you really aren't sure, you let him go first.

Unfortunately, navigating the circles is a whole 'nother story!

I'm aware of the 4 way stop rules but I don't think other people know them sometimes......especially the ones who think it should be two cars go through at a time! LOL.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Have you ever come to a four way stop and no one knows who's turn it is to proceed? It is anxiety producing to say the least. IMHO, the RABs are very safe if you drive them defensively. That is the key. I NEVER allow anyone to drive beside me. I will alter my speed so NO ONE is ever beside me.....EVER. I've never had a problem in the RABs and I'm here during the winter months when it is busiest on the roads.

People not understanding the right of way rules at intersections is a big pet peeve of mine. I can't believe that so many people don't know what to do.

A few weeks ago I stop at a four way. A car to my right had gotten there slightly before me. He sat there looking at me for about ten seconds and then waived me through. As I start to go, he begins to go at the same time. What an idiot.

I see it all the time, the person who has the right of way doesn't understand the rules.

[coffeebean]

People not understanding the right of way rules at intersections is a big pet peeve of mine. I can't believe that so many people don't know what to do.

A few weeks ago I stop at a four way. A car to my right had gotten there slightly before me. He sat there looking at me for about ten seconds and then waived me through. As I start to go, he begins to go at the same time. What an idiot.

I see it all the time, the person who has the right of way doesn't understand the rules.

I have a scenerio for you....

The driver at 6:00 is the next one to proceed thru the 4 way stop intersection. My husband seems to feel the driver at 12:00 should go at the same time if both are proceeding straight through the intersection (even though it is not 12:00's turn to go). I don't know if I'm on board with that one. I know this moves the traffic along quicker but I'm not sure if this is correct.

[PennBF]

I really wondered what this post was all about until I drove home from Spanish Springs to Lake Sumter. In 2 cases golf carts cut me off (I was driving a car).They made turns and never looked. At one 4 way stop the cart just went through without looking or stopping. I know in a lot of cases the cars are critized but I will be more careful in the blame game after watching the complete disregard for safety by these carts. Why do you think people act this way in carts? :police:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I have a scenerio for you....

The driver at 6:00 is the next one to proceed thru the 4 way stop intersection. My husband seems to feel the driver at 12:00 should go at the same time if both are proceeding straight through the intersection (even though it is not 12:00's turn to go). I don't know if I'm on board with that one. I know this moves the traffic along quicker but I'm not sure if this is correct.

Why not if they are both going straight. It doesn't cause any danger to anyone. It's not unsafe and will indeed move traffic along a bit faster.

Sometimes I think that some people look for problems where there aren't any. I often hear about people changing lanes in intersections. I see people do it, but I've never seen anyone do it when there were other cars around them. In that case, so what? They didn't harm anyone, nor did they endanger anyone. I was with a friend in my car who would see things like and that and say, "Look at that. People here are terrible drivers." We were 100 yards behind the guy and there wasn't another car anywhere.

What bothers me is that when I'm approaching an intersection someone makes a left hand turn cutting off the corner and coming on to my side of the road. I've almost been hit several times by people doing that.

If a driver is aware of what's going on around him and changes lanes or doesn't come to a full, complete stop when there are no other cars in the area, to me, it's no big deal. Most people do it. A few complain about it.

[biker1]

"cutting off the corner" on a left hand turn is a real problem for cyclists - I have had several close calls.

Why not if they are both going straight. It doesn't cause any danger to anyone. It's not unsafe and will indeed move traffic along a bit faster.

Sometimes I think that some people look for problems where there aren't any. I often hear about people changing lanes in intersections. I see people do it, but I've never seen anyone do it when there were other cars around them. In that case, so what? They didn't harm anyone, nor did they endanger anyone. I was with a friend in my car who would see things like and that and say, "Look at that. People here are terrible drivers." We were 100 yards behind the guy and there wasn't another car anywhere.

What bothers me is that when I'm approaching an intersection someone makes a left hand turn cutting off the corner and coming on to my side of the road. I've almost been hit several times by people doing that.

If a driver is aware of what's going on around him and changes lanes or doesn't come to a full, complete stop when there are no other cars in the area, to me, it's no big deal. Most people do it. A few complain about it.

[Madelaine Amee]

Why not if they are both going straight. It doesn't cause any danger to anyone. It's not unsafe and will indeed move traffic along a bit faster.

Sometimes I think that some people look for problems where there aren't any. I often hear about people changing lanes in intersections. I see people do it, but I've never seen anyone do it when there were other cars around them. In that case, so what? They didn't harm anyone, nor did they endanger anyone. I was with a friend in my car who would see things like and that and say, "Look at that. People here are terrible drivers." We were 100 yards behind the guy and there wasn't another car anywhere.

What bothers me is that when I'm approaching an intersection someone makes a left hand turn cutting off the corner and coming on to my side of the road. I've almost been hit several times by people doing that.

If a driver is aware of what's going on around him and changes lanes or doesn't come to a full, complete stop when there are no other cars in the area, to me, it's no big deal. Most people do it. A few complain about it.

This left hand cut off the corner happens all the time in my area, someone comes off a major through road and just swings across the intersection. My other half is very unpleasant about this - if nothing is behind him he sits at the intersection and MAKES the approaching car or (in most cases) golf cart straighten up and go around him in a correct turn - usually the golf cart will be on two wheels by then. He then gets the finger which he finds very amusing. You can put a dent in this if you pull to the very center of the lane and come to a stop at the intersection forcing people to enter the road correctly.

[Uberschaf]

Yesterday the gate at Bailey Trail was broken.I was going north on the cart path,the stop signs were up about 6 cars did not even slow down for the stop sign.I guess they think it's not real unless its 6 feet from the ground.