Does it make you nervous to share the road with cars?

[VApeople]

We plan to move to TV this summer. We see a lot of roads (like Bailey Trail) with golf cart lanes on the side. I have read about accidents happening when a car wants to turn right and the golf cart wants to go straight. Usually the cart comes out on the losing end of these encounters.

Have you had any significant problems sharing the road with cars?

[graciegirl]

No. But I don't drive my cart much during January, February and March.

[tomwed]

No. But I don't drive my cart much during January, February and March.
Great advice Gracie.

[memason]

We plan to move to TV this summer. We see a lot of roads (like Bailey Trail) with golf cart lanes on the side. I have read about accidents happening when a car wants to turn right and the golf cart wants to go straight. Usually the cart comes out on the losing end of these encounters.

Have you had any significant problems sharing the road with cars?

Honestly, these situations don't happen very often. Cars are generally cognizant of the cart locations and either wait until they pass or they speed up to get to the turn before the cart.

I don't see much difference between the winter and summer months, in terms of how folks drive. There's just more of them in winter...

Driving a cart here isn't as dangerous as some would have you believe...use a little common sense and you're good.

[vorage]

Honestly, these situations don't happen very often. Cars are generally cognizant of the cart locations and either wait until they pass or they speed up to get to the turn before the cart.

I don't see much difference between the winter and summer months, in terms of how folks drive. There's just more of them in winter...

Driving a cart here isn't as dangerous as some would have you believe...use a little common sense and you're good.

:agree: Everyone is nervous at first, and after awhile you get used to it. And for the most part people do drive safely. You should never abandon caution, however, and always pay attention to traffic and pedestrians around you. Whether you are in your car or in your cart, everyone has their Bozo-moments (ok, some more than others), and you need to be ready to respond.

[buzzy]

I don't worry much, either in the car or in the cart. But, I am always aware of my situation. It is best when everybody uses their turn signals to show their intentions. Many don't, and the lack of a signal does not mean that they won't be turning. Still, you can often predict a turn by observing the car or cart slowing down when approaching a side street. The frequency of accidents that are caused by sudden stupid moves is pretty small.

[outlaw]

Yes. It is nerve wracking, especially for women. My wife avoids Morse Blvd like the plague. We have had cars pass by within a foot of our cart numerous times. This golf cart community is NOT like your typical Del Webb or Sun City retirement community. It is much bigger and has a much greater chance of encounters with higher speed traffic. Recommend you "try" before you buy, if you are at all concerned about golf carts and automobiles sharing the roadways.

[rosygail]

I take offense to the comment "Especially for women"! is this 1916 or 2016?

[DonH57]

I think Morse is used heavily as a short cut from 27/441 to 466. The only close calls I've had in the cart on Morse is when merging over before the gate. Some cars insist on punching the gas as soon as I signal left.

[Barefoot]

Yes. It is nerve wracking, especially for women. My wife avoids Morse Blvd like the plague.

I take offensive to the comment "Especially for women"! is this 1916 or 2016?
Actually, I don't think that was a chauvinistic statement.
I think Outlaw was simply basing his statement on his wife's feelings.
Since my husband is way more comfortable driving on busy roads than I am, I can see his rationale.

[VApeople]

Yes. It is nerve wracking, especially for women. My wife avoids Morse Blvd like the plague. We have had cars pass by within a foot of our cart numerous times.

I am not surprised to read your comment. When we visited for a few days in November, we drove down Morse Road and were surprised how close the cars and golf carts were to each other. Later we saw this thread:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/another-golf-cart-accident-170989/?highlight=accident

[Mikeod]

I emphatically concur with the posters who advise to be aware of your surroundings whether in a cart or car. If I'm in a car and making a right turn into a street when I have a cart lane beside me, a check of my mirror let's me know if there is a cart beside me. (Yup, that's what the mirror is there for!) If so, it's a simple matter to either speed up if there's room or slow down if there is not. And put my signal on for a right turn. (Yup, that's why they are there!) If we get an Alphonse and Gaston situation, I let the cart go. Safer that way.
If I'm in a cart and there is a car next to me as we approach a side street, I always back off so there is room for the car to make the right turn even if they don't signal and/or don't see me there.
And, VApeople, if I remember correctly, the accident you linked to was caused by a car not obeying the signs that instruct cars making a right turn at that intersection to yield to carts in the cart/bicycle lane. Another example of people failing to read signs just like they do at the roundabouts. And being unaware of what is around them.

[rubicon]

Am I concerned about sharing the road with cars? NO! Why because I replace concern with caution. Being attentive ( defensive driving) is the best any of us can do. so I'll go anywhere anytime and with anyone, (except a woman driver):)

[tomwed]

I'll go anywhere anytime and with anyone, (except a woman driver):)
personal best regards
Tom

[rubicon]

personal best regards
Tom

tomwed: couldn't resist. We have become way too sensitive in this nation. i mean I love everyone, except italians:D

P.S. My surname ends in a vowel

[Shimpy]

When we visited for a few days in November, we drove down Morse Road and were surprised how close the cars and golf carts were to each other.

I'm especially watchful of what's coming up behind me. Many trucks, mostly lawn crews are pulling a trailer that barely fit in their lane and they are crowding your lane which is narrow to begin with. I've never heard of this causing an accident but I don't want to be the first.

[tomwed]

tomwed: couldn't resist. We have become way too sensitive in this nation. i mean I love everyone, except italians:D

P.S. My surname ends in a vowel
I don't know. I hear Gracie has a posse out there with squirt guns for those who cross the line. And you my friend have crossed the line. You may not be sleeping with the fishes, but you will be just as wet. Leave the squirt gun, take the cannolis.

[VApeople]

signs that instruct cars making a right turn at that intersection to yield to carts in the cart/bicycle lane.

Is there actually a sign that says all of that? It must be a huge sign.

When we were driving down Morse Road in November, I was totally unaware of golf carts to the right of me. If I had wanted to turn right, I would never have even thought to look for a golf cart coming up on my right. Probably other visitors would be as oblivious as I was.

[Dynsol]

I am more nervous on I-75..................

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I think Morse is used heavily as a short cut from 27/441 to 466. The only close calls I've had in the cart on Morse is when merging over before the gate. Some cars insist on punching the gas as soon as I signal left.

I use Morse all the time and have never had a problem. I've never had anyone punch the gas when I signal to merge into the tunnel entrance. In fact I've experienced just the opposite. I think every time I've had a car in my mirror when I signaled, the slowed down to let me in. Not saying it didn't happen to you, but it's never happened to me in the hundreds of times I've made that maneuver.

And how is Morse a short cut between 27/441 and 466? The only other ways of going are Buena Vista, Rolling Acres and 42.

[asianthree]

We have no problems driving a cart along with cars, however our oldest is not comfortable driving the cart.

[tomwed]

Is there actually a sign that says all of that? It must be a huge sign.

When we were driving down Morse Road in November, I was totally unaware of golf carts to the right of me. If I had wanted to turn right, I would never have even thought to look for a golf cart coming up on my right. Probably other visitors would be as oblivious as I was.
Thank-you for your candor. Cart drivers need to be defensive. Why tell others it's all that safe?

[justjim]

Thank-you for your candor. Cart drivers need to be defensive. Why tell others it's all that safe?

16 fatalities in the last eight years. One life lost while in a golf cart is too much. I agree cart drivers must drive defensively. The Multi Modal trails are much safer than the major roads or streets within The Villages. Car vs cart does not end well for the golf cart driver or passenger.

We all love our golf carts and they are a viable means of transportation within The Villages. They are safe but we must drive defensively and be aware of our surroundings especially when sharing the pavement with cars and other vehicles.

[outlaw]

I am more nervous on I-75..................

Golf carts aren't allowed on I-75.

[outlaw]

Actually, I don't think that was a chauvinistic statement.
I think Outlaw was simply basing his statement on his wife's feelings.
Since my husband is way more comfortable driving on busy roads than I am, I can see his rationale.

I recognize differences in the sexes. Each sex has strengths and weaknesses. I think they complement each other. Of course, all individuals are unique. My statement was meant as a group tendency just as most people would agree that women are, as a group, more nurturing than men, as a group. Sadly, public education and media indoctrination has generated a large group of constantly offended victims and PC police.

[photo1902]

Golf carts aren't allowed on I-75.

I drive my cart to Tampa all the time. It only takes 2 days to get there.

[rubicon]

I don't know. I hear Gracie has a posse out there with squirt guns for those who cross the line. And you my friend have crossed the line. You may not be sleeping with the fishes, but you will be just as wet. Leave the squirt gun, take the cannolis.

tomwed: I know, I know... some people are afraid of gangster goombahs, others Gracie's squirt gun seems this country is full of people crying for safe spaces:D

[rubicon]

My wife and I played golf on Tuesday. As we were traveling on St Charles Street a huge red Hummer passed us . We both remarked that this vehicle is so wide the tires on the left and the tires on the right met the road's stripping (i.e the line dividing the lanes and the line defining the diamond lane) Hence there ostensibly is no room for error. Now that concerned me

[tomwed]

tomwed: I know, I know... some people are afraid of gangster goombahs, others Gracie's squirt gun seems this country is full of people crying for safe spaces:D
you know I'm joking....actually I was hoping Gracie would jump in...

[BobandMary]

No, we aren't nervous. Just cautious. Cars always have the right of way. If someone looks confused, offer to help them. Bob and I are finally laughing about the big fight we had when we were totally lost in the golf cart on a rainy, windy, cold night. The wind blew our map into a big puddle. We were miserable with each other. We now drive by that area everyday! It's become second nature.

[twoplanekid]

It is interesting to watch new golf cart drivers traveling west on the second Moyer Loop approach the roundabout in the auto only lanes. It’s easy to miss the needed left turn before the roundabout to stay on the golf cart trail to travel north(Morse), south or west(Hillsborough Trail). Today, I saw a car letting a golf cart backtrack out of the auto only lane to return to the golf cart trail(MM Path).

[bagboy]

It is interesting to watch new golf cart drivers traveling west on the second Moyer Loop approach the roundabout in the auto only lanes. It’s easy to miss the needed left turn before the roundabout to stay on the golf cart trail to travel north(Morse), south or west(Hillsborough Trail). Today, I saw a car letting a golf cart backtrack out of the auto only lane to return to the golf cart trail(MM Path).

I lived here for almost six years and drive a cart daily. After our first trip to Belle Glade CC, I missed that turn also and had to back up. Thankfully no traffic.

[rubicon]

you know I'm joking....actually I was hoping Gracie would jump in...

tomwed No GG has a squirt gun:D Of course I knew you were kidding about GG.

As stated in a previous thread I do not take this forum seriously. Its a past time, an opportunity to chat with neighbors and to learn about events that I may have missed. Its live and let live. People have different views, some very fascinating, its what makes the world go around...and I do have a good sense of humor

Personal Best Regards:

[golfing eagles]

I emphatically concur with the posters who advise to be aware of your surroundings whether in a cart or car. If I'm in a car and making a right turn into a street when I have a cart lane beside me, a check of my mirror let's me know if there is a cart beside me. (Yup, that's what the mirror is there for!) If so, it's a simple matter to either speed up if there's room or slow down if there is not. And put my signal on for a right turn. (Yup, that's why they are there!) If we get an Alphonse and Gaston situation, I let the cart go. Safer that way.
If I'm in a cart and there is a car next to me as we approach a side street, I always back off so there is room for the car to make the right turn even if they don't signal and/or don't see me there.
And, VApeople, if I remember correctly, the accident you linked to was caused by a car not obeying the signs that instruct cars making a right turn at that intersection to yield to carts in the cart/bicycle lane. Another example of people failing to read signs just like they do at the roundabouts. And being unaware of what is around them.

:agree:
I find the following:
90% of car drivers slow up to allow the cart to merge---no problem
9% speed up to beat you there--use you mirror to see---again, no problem
1% match your speed and hang right off your left rear tire---BIG PROBLEM!

As a aside---here's a new RB trick---headed east on Stillwater yesterday to go north on Morse, I was in the left lane as I should be. Driver headed north on Morse was in the right lane with a car to HER(yes, sexist) left. BOTH cars entered the RB, failing to yield to traffic already in the RB, but lady in the right lane crossed immediately into the left lane of the RB, cutting off the car to her left who had to slam on his brakes, effectively cutting off traffic in the RB who in turn had to slam on their brakes. She then proceeded to head west on Stillwater. I guess she was told to take the left RB lane to go around 270, but forgot every other rule of the road.

[Bay Kid]

I ALWAYS give cars wide berth and I watch my rearview.

[tomwed]

I'm feeling deja rearview.

[golfing eagles]

I'm feeling deja rearview.

Isn't that 2 pretty good movies rolled into one????

[tomwed]

Isn't that 2 pretty good movies rolled into one????
Yesterday some said something about giving a wide birth---
me being me, asked if there was such a thing as a narrow birth.

Then someone else said ''I don't know why, but i find myself chuckling."

When I read a new wide birth statement again today----deja review mirror
[oh yea, that is two movies]

[2BNTV]

Common sense tells everyone to be cautious and drive defensively. The summer months will have less traffic than the snowbird season, (Jan 1 to March 31st).

One always needs to be especially careful in that section of Morse where one has to share the roads with cars. I tend to avoid it, as several accidents are more prevalent in that area.

I'm sure everyone is a little nervous when they first arrive here but after awhile, one becomes more comfortable with the traffic concerning carts.