As a new resident I am curious as to why so many gates get damaged

[Miles42]

As a new resident I am curious as to why so many gates get damaged? Especially the exit gate where no card is required. Are the drivers here that unaware?

[Bogie Shooter]

No, they are idiots!

[Jim 9922]

No, they are idiots!
Or maybe in a rush, or maybe just having fun hitting things, or really are idiots!!:0000000000luvmyhors

[RickeyD]

No, they are idiots!


I live in a tourist area up north. We call them Citidiots.

[zonerboy]

Gate closes after each car then reopens.
Some people try to sneak thru 2 at a time. Just too busy to stop for 5 seconds.

[MikeV]

Have you not experienced driving in TV yet? Driver beware!

[TheVillageChicken]

v=4aMIm4hlBYs
v=y82Ar1JxsY4
v=wzvMecC2rW0

[OldManTime]

Many drivers just are too old to see them, some are impatient, some think its fun to knock them down, one has been down now for 2 days.

[Patty]

Does anyone know the statistics on how many are replaced monthly and what is the cost for each replacement? This has to be a large expense out of our amenity fees.

[eweissenbach]

Gate closes after each car then reopens.
Some people try to sneak thru 2 at a time. Just too busy to stop for 5 seconds.

This is the correct answer in most cases. BTW you can get on one of the Villages websites and see video of many of the offenders, or at least you could last time I looked.

[NYGUY]

No, they are idiots!

I second that!!

[dewilson58]

It's the Snowbirds.

:D

[gerryann]

There is another thread asking if the villagers drink too much....hmmmm
Ya think??? :rolleyes:

[Bogie Shooter]

This is the correct answer in most cases. BTW you can get on one of the Villages websites and see video of many of the offenders, or at least you could last time I looked.

see post #7.

[rubicon]

It has always amazed me how often these gates take a hit

As to liability I can see where there would be a question of liability (who is at fault if the gate is in motion downward but when the motion is to go up and a vehicle damages it sure as heck the driver was going too fast or was distracted and didn't notice the gate at all. In the latter situation TV ought to make them pay. In the former situation you have some drivers that are wry of gates and panic when approaching the, Then we have the creeps that believe the gate is interfering with my driving and I am not going to stop for it. I'll bet we have our fair sure of this type

[LndLocked]

Does anyone know the statistics on how many are replaced monthly and what is the cost for each replacement? This has to be a large expense out of our amenity fees.

It is ... and that is why many of the unmanned gates (if not all by now) that had vid cameras installed, in an attempt to identify gate crashing idiots and recoup the cost of repair.

[Miles42]

I think that anyone that knocks these things off should have to pay for them. All the gates should have cameras installed.

[rubicon]

I think that anyone that knocks these things off should have to pay for them. All the gates should have cameras installed.

all gates do to my knowledge

[gomoho]

cause they can???

[cms36]

Has anybody been forced to pay for damage?

[Steve & Deanna]

Dumb, da dumb da !!! Must be kids or seniors that think they're kids. Just a slice of bread short of a full sandwich.

[tippyclubb]

A few weeks ago I approached a gate and the car in front of me went through. While I was waiting for the gate to go down the guy behind me starts beeping his horn like crazy. When the gate opened I went through and so did he. I watched in my rear view mirror the gate go down on his car. I laughed so hard tears came to my eyes.

[FurKidsMom]

OMG! These videos are hilarious--although I'm sure not to the Gatekeepers!
Ever thought about adding some music?? :)

[manaboutown]

There is another thread asking if the villagers drink too much....hmmmm
Ya think??? :rolleyes:

Yes, I think.

[LndLocked]

An X neighbor of mine owned a company that installed & maintained all types of security gates. He told me that typically he & his competitors bid new installations at almost cost .... just to get the VERY lucrative maintenance contracts.

[billethkid]

after you are here for a while you will note that the other driving impediment are the posts on the cart recreational paths that state no cars. The one in our village has been replaced at least once per year for the past 10 years. The entrances and exits to the paths involve all the golfing traffic on the Arnold Palmer courses.

I think there are two contributors to the problem. Too many residents think there are only two speeds on their carts full throttle and stop!!!! And the same number of residents have no concept of the dimensions of the cart (same with driving thier autos).

Drive defensively!!!

[Stdole]

I was told by an employee that repairs begin at $350.00 and go over
$1000.00 depends on damage to motors, and post damages.

We all pay the bill... report everyone you can... so their insurance will help pay the damages...

[kcrazorbackfan]

If we would have had a statute for it, I could have written two full ticket books everyday of people driving stupid.:pepper2: That's why I've been preaching to the wife about watching out for other drivers in TV.

[Average Guy]

A few weeks ago I approached a gate and the car in front of me went through. While I was waiting for the gate to go down the guy behind me starts beeping his horn like crazy. When the gate opened I went through and so did he. I watched in my rear view mirror the gate go down on his car. I laughed so hard tears came to my eyes.

Now THAT is funny! Thanks for sharing.

[manaboutown]

A few weeks ago I approached a gate and the car in front of me went through. While I was waiting for the gate to go down the guy behind me starts beeping his horn like crazy. When the gate opened I went through and so did he. I watched in my rear view mirror the gate go down on his car. I laughed so hard tears came to my eyes.

LOL! Now I would have stopped and taken their photo with my cell phone - after first asking them to "say cheese"!

[DonH57]

A few days ago I approached the paradise gate and one cart was starting thru the gate as one was behind trying to tailgate thru and yelling to then to hurry the #$@& up. The tailgater start to get scraped. As he went up the street he had to pass the other cart. My guess is he was late for an anger management class. Some people here are just so impatient.

[tommy steam]

Does anyone know the statistics on how many are replaced monthly and what is the cost for each replacement? This has to be a large expense out of our amenity fees.

They have cams at the gates and I'm sure it's to record drivers just in case they knock down a gate. As I understand it ,if they can prove its your car which did the damage, they will make you pay for the repairs. Just in the last few days I have seen two different gates knocked down. Kind of stupid that someone can't wait a few seconds for the gates to open properly.

[joldnol]

morons behind the wheel

[joldnol]

I was golfing at Redfish last Thursday and an ambassador took out the white lane pillar.....oh my

[VT2TV]

There are several reasons the gates get ruined so often. First and foremost, people are stupid and impatient. Also there are many people who travel through the gates that are unfamiliar with them, ie. snowbirds, visitors, poor driving because of age or alcohol or just careless. And then those who just don't care about anything because no one in The Villages ever has to be accountable for anything. People here will do anything they want to do because no one ever stops them.

[Halibut]

The gate-breakers may also be the same people who back out of their garages while their screen is down. ;)

[slipcovers]

There are several reasons the gates get ruined so often. First and foremost, people are stupid and impatient. Also there are many people who travel through the gates that are unfamiliar with them, ie. snowbirds, visitors, poor driving because of age or alcohol or just careless. And then those who just don't care about anything because no one in The Villages ever has to be accountable for anything. People here will do anything they want to do because no one ever stops them.

I don't think anyone would intentionally go thru the gate and damage it and their car. It is very easy when you are not used to a gate or perhaps the sun is in your eye. They should have flashing light on the gates or stop signs.

[Bogie Shooter]

:a20:

[justjim]

The gate-breakers may also be the same people who back out of their garages while their screen is down. ;)

:censored: Ouch! I did that once but never ran into a gate yet. Accidents do happen.

[kcrazorbackfan]

There should be a nice, visible sign posted at every gate that states something to the effect, "Surveillance cameras in use, YOU are responsible for any costs to repair any damage to gates incurred by YOU".

In the short time I've been there, I have noticed some really bad drivers in TV that seem to drive :loco:.

[ditka41]

"Gate-busters" are the same ^%$**&^'s who don't know how to operate turn signals or navigate the traffic circles. And just watch them backing out of parking spots at the grocery stores --absolutely no concern for anyone other than themselves.

I know one entertaining thing that demands their attention at the gates though: Leaving rather slowly as you go through the gate does not allow the "tailgaters" to follow while it's up. Not unusual to get a one-finger salute when they've been forced to stop and wait for the gate to re-open, like ordinary people do. Then, simply set your cruise control to the speed limit and watch them fume! Also temporarily effective on contractors who probably know better but can't be bothered by rules. Who says entertainment is expensive at The Villages? (Flame suit on!)

[tomwed]

The gate that enters Pinellas by the Winn Dixie has been broken a couple of times. For a year it would open without a card while the construction was going on. So from time to time I would forget to use the card and go too far. Looping around that opening before the gate and after the reader takes no time. I don't think I always noticed the little turn around opening when I first came to the villages.

[tomwed]

The gate-breakers may also be the same people who back out of their garages while their screen is down. ;)
I don't have a garage screen. But I'd be lying if I said haven't walked into a screen on the way to outside at other peoples houses.


Maybe that's reason enough for me not to buy a garage door screen.

[DougB]

I need all the practice I can get for when St. Peter tries to stop me.

[billethkid]

"Gate-busters" are the same ^%$**&^'s who don't know how to operate turn signals or navigate the traffic circles. And just watch them backing out of parking spots at the grocery stores --absolutely no concern for anyone other than themselves.

I know one entertaining thing that demands their attention at the gates though: Leaving rather slowly as you go through the gate does not allow the "tailgaters" to follow while it's up. Not unusual to get a one-finger salute when they've been forced to stop and wait for the gate to re-open, like ordinary people do. Then, simply set your cruise control to the speed limit and watch them fume! Also temporarily effective on contractors who probably know better but can't be bothered by rules. Who says entertainment is expensive at The Villages? (Flame suit on!)

And I thought I was the only one that thought and enjoyed this sport!

[looneycat]

As a new resident I am curious as to why so many gates get damaged? Especially the exit gate where no card is required. Are the drivers here that unaware?

because while you can fix gates you can't fix stupid! :22yikes:

[tommy steam]

I don't think anyone would intentionally go thru the gate and damage it and their car. It is very easy when you are not used to a gate or perhaps the sun is in your eye. They should have flashing light on the gates or stop signs.

I know where I live ,is a sign on the right side of the gate which says, Gate Will Close After Each Car. Not to hard to understand.

[VT2TV]

I don't think anyone would intentionally go thru the gate and damage it and their car. It is very easy when you are not used to a gate or perhaps the sun is in your eye. They should have flashing light on the gates or stop signs.



Sorry to correct you, but there are videos that show people who have damaged both their vehicles and the gates for whatever reason--trying to go through with the car in front of them, or maybe they don't have a card key to the gates, or just too impatient to wait. If they are not familiar with the gates, there is a button to ask for help-don't just plow through. I would hope that if people are driving a vehicle of any kind they would know how to get through a gate, they are all over the Villages, and basically, many other places. And, I believe they have reflective strips on them, and a stop sign on the arms.

[thelegges]

I have to admit if the sun is directly in your eyes as you're approaching the gate it is difficult to see the gate. You know it's there but still a white gate with bright sun may be hard for some to see

[Bizdoc]

I bet that if the arms (and the mid path markers that folks like to play whack-a-mole with) were made of stronger stuff, people would be a lot more careful. I vote for steel filled with concrete. (And yes, I know it would damage whatever hit it.) Every time some idiot hit one of them, we all get to pay for it.

[tomwed]

I need all the practice I can get for when St. Peter tries to stop me.
I hear St. Peter screens his calls too.

[tomwed]

Until the gate is repaired the damage makers should act as human gate keepers. They must ask each driver 3 questions. click here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWS8Mg-JWSg)

[TrudyM]

If all carts using the multimodal paths were required to have a plate with an ID on it then the cameras could really find those who bash things not just the cars. Also tickets could be given for illegal parking around the squares. Last year we came out of a movie and found our car (which was legally parked in a space) blocked in by an illegally parked cart. Hubby was furious and I headed off a unpleasant scene by needing an emergency hot fudge Sunday. I see people parking two carts in a space one behind the other (instead of side by side) are these guys friends traveling together or is the guy in the back blocking in the guy in the front.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Mostly all golf cart idiots. I could drive better totally drunk. They should make the pole sot that they would stop a golf cart in it's tracks.

[tomwed]

Or the gates could be made out of those nurf noodles like they use in the pool. Then they would never break.

[2BNTV]

I could possibly see if it was a very dark night and one approached a gate without seeing it clearly. Driving in TV at night is a different experience as one cannot see street signs to make the proper turns needed especially if one is not yet familiar with where they are going.

I think the only other reason is impatience and some drivers think they can sneak through the gate no matter what the sign says. This gate will close after every vehicle. DUH!!!

God forbid someone has to wait for 3 cars have to go through the gate, before them. A real traffic jam!!! :D

[joldnol]

If all carts using the multimodal paths were required to have a plate with an ID on it then the cameras could really find those who bash things not just the cars. Also tickets could be given for illegal parking around the squares. Last year we came out of a movie and found our car (which was legally parked in a space) blocked in by an illegally parked cart. Hubby was furious and I headed off a unpleasant scene by needing an emergency hot fudge Sunday. I see people parking two carts in a space one behind the other (instead of side by side) are these guys friends traveling together or is the guy in the back blocking in the guy in the front.


I've seen the same thing with carts,,,,someone parks behind me they may have to look a lot of places for their cart since it will be pushed to a new spot

[joldnol]

I could possibly see if it was a very dark night and one approached a gate without seeing it clearly. Driving in TV at night is a different experience as one cannot see street signs to make the proper turns needed especially if one is not yet familiar with where they are going.

I think the only other reason is impatience and some drivers think they can sneak through the gate no matter what the sign says. This gate will close after every vehicle. DUH!!!

God forbid someone has to wait for 3 cars have to go through the gate, before them. A real traffic jam!!! :D

I saw a cart race behind a car at the gate at pinellas plaza....almost didn't make it.....I'm glad he did since I was the next car in line

[karostay]

No, they are idiots!

:bowdown::bowdown::beer3::bowdown::bowdown:

[karostay]

Or the gates could be made out of those nurf noodles like they use in the pool. Then they would never break.

I think they should use railroad tracks as gate arms
My bet is gate runners would think twice

[xcaligirl]

I think some are idiots, some are in too big of a hurry (uhhh... where are they going??) and some are horrible drivers. Yes, be aware out there and not just at the gates.

[VT2TV]

If all carts using the multimodal paths were required to have a plate with an ID on it then the cameras could really find those who bash things not just the cars. Also tickets could be given for illegal parking around the squares. Last year we came out of a movie and found our car (which was legally parked in a space) blocked in by an illegally parked cart. Hubby was furious and I headed off a unpleasant scene by needing an emergency hot fudge Sunday. I see people parking two carts in a space one behind the other (instead of side by side) are these guys friends traveling together or is the guy in the back blocking in the guy in the front.



The idea of having an ID for each golf cart was talked about many times about a year ago, and most people seemed to be really in favor of having the ID. I haven't heard anything about it since then. Does anyone know if it was ever discussed with anyone who could do anything about it, or how we could even get it brought to anyone's attention??

[gadaboutgal]

As a new resident I am curious as to why so many gates get damaged? Especially the exit gate where no card is required. Are the drivers here that unaware?
Maybe the driver is confused as to why there would be a gate across a public road and thinks the gate must be a mirage?

Let's get rid of the stupid gates that The Villages (us!) keep sinking our money in to!!!:popcorn:

[dbussone]

Maybe the driver is confused as to why there would be a gate across a public road and thinks the gate must be a mirage?

Let's get rid of the stupid gates that The Villages (us!) keep sinking our money in to!!!:popcorn:

Please! How about about if we get rid of the stupid drivers who don't understand the "Slow 5 MPH" signs immediately in front of the gates.

[Miles42]

Keep the gates at least it keeps the stupid drivers from hitting something else.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Maybe the driver is confused as to why there would be a gate across a public road and thinks the gate must be a mirage?

Let's get rid of the stupid gates that The Villages (us!) keep sinking our money in to!!!:popcorn:

You can't be serious about that statement. Do you not drive a golf cart? The gates allow golf carts to cross the streets at those intersections; think about the vehicle/golf cart accidents if we didn't have the gates. The gates, nor The Villages maintaining them, are the problem. The drivers with their heads up their a** are.

[Polar Bear]

You can't be serious about that statement. Do you not drive a golf cart? The gates allow golf carts to cross the streets at those intersections; think about the vehicle/golf cart accidents if we didn't have the gates...


Agree. No way the gates should ever be removed. It would change the whole nature of our community in more ways than just safety...and not for the better.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Agree. No way the gates should ever be removed. It would change the whole nature of our community in more ways than just safety...and not for the better.

........i.e. trash and riffraff, nefarious types of people.:mad:

[tomwed]

My home security system is just as secure as the gates. Every time you push my red doorbell button you hear someone say"Have a nice day in my house" and then the door opens.

Tell me again why the gates don't open automatically? Once upon a time you couldn't get a good photo of the vehicle.

[cms36]

After taking a look at these videos I see a card is required to swipe. I'll be driving down this Thursday and want to look around at a bunch of neighborhoods. How do I get through these gates without a card?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

As a new resident I am curious as to why so many gates get damaged? Especially the exit gate where no card is required. Are the drivers here that unaware?

I think it's because cars and golf carts crash into them.

[tomwed]

Suppose the gate was redesigned. Instead of it opening on 1 side going up and down, it swung open from both sides like most gates. It can be hinged so that if you drove through without waiting for it to open there will be no harm to the gate but may [hopefully] scratch the car on both sides.

[Mikeod]

After taking a look at these videos I see a card is required to swipe. I'll be driving down this Thursday and want to look around at a bunch of neighborhoods. How do I get through these gates without a card?
Either enter through a manned gate where the attendant will let you through. If you enter an unmanned gate, there is a red button on the panel that reads the cards. Push the button and you will hear a ringing tone and they will open the gate for you.