Golf Cart Crash on Buena Vista Trail at Gilchrest

[Susan G]

Just at sunrise this morning, I came upon a single golf cart crash on the Buena Vista Trail northbound at Gilchrest. The beige cart had spun 180 degrees & was resting against shrubs & trees facing Gilchrest gate. Multiple Sumter County Sheriff's were on scene - I did not see rescue at that time. Exit to Gilchrest was blocked. Sure hope the driver made it out OK.

[Susan G]

Coming south just now thru same intersection, a guy in a blue/orange cart almost rear ends me -- then kindly blows his horn!

Got through the crossing pulled off and "waved" him by. I wanted to more than wave to be honest. His tag ironically is RUSHIN-1...

At his speed he's "RUSHIN" to his grave. Turned into Evans Prairie course -- can't be late for golf.

Seriously these are not toys -- slow down, pay attention, wear shoulder seat belts please.

[DonH57]

Even in retirement some people can't manage time.

[villagetinker]

The other news source had photos and indicated driver was taken to the hospital, no other details.

[bagboy]

The other news source had photos and indicated driver was taken to the hospital, no other details.

And now it's being reported that the owner of the cart is nowhere to be found.

[Susan G]

And now it's being reported that the owner of the cart is nowhere to be found.

Well that explains why I did not see an ambulance or rescue on scene at sunrise.
Looks from the photo that the windshield is missing - that can't be good.

[dbussone]

Coming south just now thru same intersection, a guy in a blue/orange cart almost rear ends me -- then kindly blows his horn!



Got through the crossing pulled off and "waved" him by. I wanted to more than wave to be honest. His tag ironically is RUSHIN-1...



At his speed he's "RUSHIN" to his grave. Turned into Evans Prairie course -- can't be late for golf.



Seriously these are not toys -- slow down, pay attention, wear shoulder seat belts please.


The way that person drives, perhaps he should change his license plate to PRAYIN 1.

[Topspinmo]

And now it's being reported that the owner of the cart is nowhere to be found.

Probably drunk, cheaper to buy another cart than getting caught DUI

[joldnol]

The driver has been found and is being sited for leaving the scene

[buzzy]

Reported later so he/she won't get a DUI.

[bagboy]

Probably drunk, cheaper to buy another cart than getting caught DUI

Most likely alcohol involved, I agree.

[Susan G]

According to another news source, the driver of the cart that crashed at the Gilchrist gate early Sunday morning was located and ticketed for leaving the scene of an accident. They ought to go after him too for replacement of damaged Villages property, i.e. Shrubs, palm tree, etc.

He's lucky he survived that crash into that large palm tree....

[Allegiance]

I would like to see the exact law that says you can't leave the scene of a one cart crash. What if the guy had some injuries to attend to and went home to ice/bandage them.

[Susan G]

I would like to see the exact law that says you can't leave the scene of a one cart crash. What if the guy had some injuries to attend to and went home to ice/bandage them.

And didn't return to retrieve his cart form blocking the cart path in an area where some other unsuspecting driver could run into it? Hurt... Possibly. But pick up a phone and call 911, Community Watch, someone.

[Allegiance]

Just saw picture. Definitely blocking part of path. Front seat also looks like is was dislocated.

[DonH57]

The way that person drives, perhaps he should change his license plate to PRAYIN 1.

I'm thinking any passenger he had with him would be doing the Praying besides totaling their shorts!:laugh:

[dbussone]

I'm thinking any passenger he had with him would be doing the Praying besides totaling their shorts!:laugh:


Quite likely. :1:ROTFL:

[Pointer]

Ever the optimist, could be at that hour, the person alone and pretty shook up might not have been able to think clearly. If drinking or other impairment was involved then that would be another explanation and I'm glad it didn't involve anyone else. I do hope this person is ok.

[blueash]

Here is the law on leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage
Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.061.html)

316.061 Crashes involving damage to vehicle or property.—
(1) The driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting only in damage to a vehicle or other property which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such crash or as close thereto as possible, and shall forthwith return to, and in every event shall remain at, the scene of the crash until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of s. 316.062. A person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, $5 shall be added to a fine imposed pursuant to this section, which $5 shall be deposited in the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund.

(2) Every stop must be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary, and, if a damaged vehicle is obstructing traffic, the driver of such vehicle must make every reasonable effort to move the vehicle or have it moved so as not to block the regular flow of traffic. Any person failing to comply with this subsection shall be cited for a nonmoving violation, punishable as provided in chapter 318.

and yes a golf cart is a motor vehicle, and property damage would include landscaping. Now section 316.062 requires that you leave at the scene information to identify yourself as the cause of the damage and that you notify the police forthwith
the driver of any vehicle involved in such crash, after fulfilling all other requirements of s. 316.027 and subsection (1), insofar as possible on his or her part to be performed, shall forthwith report the crash to the nearest office of a duly authorized police authority and submit thereto the information specified in subsection (1).

I don't think there would be a requirement that such a report be made immediately or in the middle of the night, just that it be made in a reasonable time frame. There is no requirement to remain at the scene as long as you make the required report as there was neither another party present at the scene nor a policeman to take a report. This would be similar to the requirement that you leave your name on the windshield of a car you hit in a parking lot, but you don't have to wait for the other driver to show up. So instead maybe this is just another photo of bad parking? And maybe better visibility eg striping might have helped this driver stay in the correct lane and not hit the curving curb.

[theruizs]

Coming south just now thru same intersection, a guy in a blue/orange cart almost rear ends me -- then kindly blows his horn!

Got through the crossing pulled off and "waved" him by. I wanted to more than wave to be honest. His tag ironically is RUSHIN-1...

At his speed he's "RUSHIN" to his grave. Turned into Evans Prairie course -- can't be late for golf.

Seriously these are not toys -- slow down, pay attention, wear shoulder seat belts please.

So many carts are illegally modified to go faster. Perhaps the Sheriff dept. should do a periodic spot check of all the carts in a particular square. Tied down regulators are easy to spot for example. At any rate, it took me a while to "slow down" in general. Today's life has you operating in overdrive all the time so it can be hard to make the adjustment to retirement. But it is sooooo nice not to have to be anywhere at any particular time UNLESS you want to be. Stay busy if you like, but "slow down" and enjoy it! The time we have left is going to go by fast enough.

[Chatbrat]

another reason for an identity tag on a golf cart

[golfing eagles]

another reason for an identity tag on a golf cart

How so???? They didn't seem to have too much difficulty identifying the owner without it.