ANother golf car accident!!??!!

[billethkid]

Just got the "breaking news" from the dot com news source:

Villager crashes golf cart
at tunnel entrance

And with pictures. I did not bother to read the article as I do not expect to learn anything.

While there may be legitimate reasons like a medical episode...the best catch all phraseology for here in TV. Being a survivor of 12 years in TV there is no doubt in my mind what so ever the under lying cause is the fact people just drive their carts too fast for conditions and for the capability of the cart and beyond the capability/ability of far too many seniors.

The notion of get in and pedal to the floor and when only when absolutely have to is at issue.

What will happen soon enough is that so called inexpensive golf cart insurance will eventually start to climb in price as the incident rate continues to go up.

There are no requirements knowledge wise, health wise, ability wise, capability wise or cart wise that one needs to know or be educated about before they get in and launch their cart path missle. Write a check; get in; point it; and then peddle to the floor!

How many more pictures do we need than the last few weeks?
How many more posts that are automobile barriers (sometimes) need to be knocked over and replaced?

When we first came here there was no night driving of golf carts. Then there were some basic guidelines of what a cart must have before it can be night capable....from then on we have around the clock driving og the golf carts allowed.

Just like they had to decide what a cart needed to be driven at night, a similar quorum could develope what a person needs to do/accomplish/get/learn before being allowed to drive a golf cart. Having driven one on the golf cart does not get an automatic stamp of approval.

Anyway, like past threads on the subject I do not expect anything will change. Except more accidents, hence more opportunity for serious injury or death and future increasing insurance rates (for those of us who have it).

There is my $3.26 (2 cents adjusted for inflation!).

[tuccillo]

The event in January and the event this past weekend were the results of cars running onto the cart paths and hitting golf carts and had nothing to do with the speed of the golf carts. The event today was apparently a medical emergency and there is nothing reported that would indicate that the cart was driving too fast. It isn't clear that the rate of accidents involving golf carts is such that we can expect insurance rate increases.

Just got the "breaking news" from the dot com news source:

Villager crashes golf cart
at tunnel entrance

And with pictures. I did not bother to read the article as I do not expect to learn anything.

While there may be legitimate reasons like a medical episode...the best catch all phraseology for here in TV. Being a survivor of 12 years in TV there is no doubt in my mind what so ever the under lying cause is the fact people just drive their carts too fast for conditions and for the capability of the cart and beyond the capability/ability of far too many seniors.

The notion of get in and pedal to the floor and when only when absolutely have to is at issue.

What will happen soon enough is that so called inexpensive golf cart insurance will eventually start to climb in price as the incident rate continues to go up.

There are no requirements knowledge wise, health wise, ability wise, capability wise or cart wise that one needs to know or be educated about before they get in and launch their cart path missle. Write a check; get in; point it; and then peddle to the floor!

How many more pictures do we need than the last few weeks?
How many more posts that are automobile barriers (sometimes) need to be knocked over and replaced?

When we first came here there was no night driving of golf carts. Then there were some basic guidelines of what a cart must have before it can be night capable....from then on we have around the clock driving og the golf carts allowed.

Just like they had to decide what a cart needed to be driven at night, a similar quorum could develope what a person needs to do/accomplish/get/learn before being allowed to drive a golf cart. Having driven one on the golf cart does not get an automatic stamp of approval.

Anyway, like past threads on the subject I do not expect anything will change. Except more accidents, hence more opportunity for serious injury or death and future increasing insurance rates (for those of us who have it).

There is my $3.26 (2 cents adjusted for inflation!).

[JoMar]

Just got the "breaking news" from the dot com news source:

Villager crashes golf cart
at tunnel entrance

And with pictures. I did not bother to read the article as I do not expect to learn anything.

While there may be legitimate reasons like a medical episode...the best catch all phraseology for here in TV. Being a survivor of 12 years in TV there is no doubt in my mind what so ever the under lying cause is the fact people just drive their carts too fast for conditions and for the capability of the cart and beyond the capability/ability of far too many seniors.

The notion of get in and pedal to the floor and when only when absolutely have to is at issue.

What will happen soon enough is that so called inexpensive golf cart insurance will eventually start to climb in price as the incident rate continues to go up.

There are no requirements knowledge wise, health wise, ability wise, capability wise or cart wise that one needs to know or be educated about before they get in and launch their cart path missle. Write a check; get in; point it; and then peddle to the floor!

How many more pictures do we need than the last few weeks?
How many more posts that are automobile barriers (sometimes) need to be knocked over and replaced?

When we first came here there was no night driving of golf carts. Then there were some basic guidelines of what a cart must have before it can be night capable....from then on we have around the clock driving og the golf carts allowed.

Just like they had to decide what a cart needed to be driven at night, a similar quorum could develop what a person needs to do/accomplish/get/learn before being allowed to drive a golf cart. Having driven one on the golf cart does not get an automatic stamp of approval.

Anyway, like past threads on the subject I do not expect anything will change. Except more accidents, hence more opportunity for serious injury or death and future increasing insurance rates (for those of us who have it).

There is my $3.26 (2 cents adjusted for inflation!).

I got my drivers license in 1960. Since then there are have been "no requirements knowledge wise, health wise, ability wise, capability wise or car wise that they need to know or be educated about before they get in and launch their car road missile. Write a check; get in; point it; and then peddle to the floor!" When I got my license I was required to use turn signals, stay in the proper lane and obey speed limits. I was also expected to park my vehicle in designated parking spots, between the lines and not at fire hydrants, sideways or blocking driveways. Since all of that has been abused, ignored or aggressively violated with cars, why would we expect cart behavior to be any different.

[blyarbrough]

You should read the paper.....it's about 90% right. I was there in the tunnel. It was NO fault of the golf cart, speed, drinking etc. It was the SUV driver who blacked out and drove over the curb thru a stop sign, etc and crashed into the cart and person walking. NO FAULT OF THE GOLF CART.

The real problem in the Villages is: OVER POPULATION...... I know many of you will castigated me again over this statement but think about it and just look around. Just too many people and cars in a small location with limited resources......damn near "New York City" of the retirement community arena. Getting too big. Yea, I hear you “Move if you don’t like it”……Thanks

[billethkid]

OK my emotions got the better of me on this incident. However the subject and the reality lays dormant and is triggered when I see a golf cart accident. I would never expect to read in the paper or dot com or where ever, an admission of speeding. No different than on the roads.

Hower, that all being said. After 12 years of walking 2-3 miles evey morning and driving the cart paths most days of that 12 years there is absolutely no question (in my experience) that speeding on the cart paths is an issue.

And I do not expect anymore to be done about golf cart speeding than the excessive amount of auto/truck speeding that takes place on our roadways day in and day out.

[Polar Bear]

...How many more pictures do we need than the last few weeks?...
Please tell us all when you find that place to move to that has no accidents.

[manaboutown]

It feels counterintuitive but older drivers are more dangerous drivers than teenagers, so report various studies. Wear your seat belts and drive defensively!

A few friends of mine have moved from Newport Beach, CA to to Laguna Woods Village, CA (formerly a Leisureworld) where the median age is about 80. Their vehicular insurance went up as much as 20%. Their insurance agent explained it was due to the increase in relative number of accidents in the area due to the prevalence of senior drivers.

[kcrazorbackfan]

What part of the pic in the online news gives it away that the driver should not have been driving at all? THE WALKER!!! My Mom is 90, uses a walker and can still get around pretty good but my brother and I took her car away from her several years ago and we sure wouldn't let her out in a cart. If she needs to go somewhere, we take her or she arranges transportation.

I wonder how many of these "medical issues", or symptoms, had previously happened with these people that caused the accidents before now, and if they did have previous issues/symptoms, WHY THEY KEPT DRIVING?

And before you start bashing on maybe the cart is the only way they can get around, there are transportation services in TV that can take them anywhere they want to go. :boom: Let it begin.......

[blyarbrough]

Please tell us all when you find that place to move to that has no accidents.

Just be careful out there. There are lots of folks here. Danger is ever where. No place 100% safe but I've been here 12 years. And, it's getting too big in my view. Have a great day...Be very careful out there.

[manaboutown]

What part of the pic in the online news gives it away that the driver should not have been driving at all? THE WALKER!!! My Mom is 90, uses a walker and can still get around pretty good but my brother and I took her car away from her several years ago and we sure wouldn't let her out in a cart. If she needs to go somewhere, we take her or she arranges transportation.

I wonder how many of these "medical issues", or symptoms, had previously happened with these people that caused the accidents before now, and if they did have previous issues/symptoms, WHY THEY KEPT DRIVING?

And before you start bashing on maybe the cart is the only way they can get around, there are transportation services in TV that can take them anywhere they want to go. :boom: Let it begin.......

:agree:

I remember my father gave up driving on his own but my mother needed some convincing. After I asked her about how she would feel if she hit a child she gave up driving.

[Sandtrap328]

What part of the pic in the online news gives it away that the driver should not have been driving at all? THE WALKER!!! My Mom is 90, uses a walker and can still get around pretty good but my brother and I took her car away from her several years ago and we sure wouldn't let her out in a cart. If she needs to go somewhere, we take her or she arranges transportation.

I wonder how many of these "medical issues", or symptoms, had previously happened with these people that caused the accidents before now, and if they did have previous issues/symptoms, WHY THEY KEPT DRIVING?

And before you start bashing on maybe the cart is the only way they can get around, there are transportation services in TV that can take them anywhere they want to go. :boom: Let it begin.......

Excellent post!

[twoplanekid]

While traveling to the Strawberry festival in Brownwood, we approached the tunnel under Buena Vista just north of Hillsborough Trail to be flagged by a lady whose cart was stopped behind an abandoned cart at the entrance to the tunnel. We proceeded with caution to find another golf car abandoned in the middle of the tunnel. There sure are a lot of golf cars on the road today. Be safe out there!

[manaboutown]

The online news just posted a photo of yet another cart accident. A licensed 81 year old guy drove his cart into the fence at a tunnel entrance. He was not wearing a seat belt and was found face up on the pavement. A walker had fallen out of the cart. A handicap placard was found in the cart. FHP report indicated the guy had operated the cart in a careless and negligent manner.

[joldnol]

What part of the pic in the online news gives it away that the driver should not have been driving at all? THE WALKER!!! My Mom is 90, uses a walker and can still get around pretty good but my brother and I took her car away from her several years ago and we sure wouldn't let her out in a cart. If she needs to go somewhere, we take her or she arranges transportation.

.

Shame on you! I have always found your posts to be very intelligent but this is just pure BS. My wife has cerebral palsy and uses a walker because of 6 decades of joint wear and tear. When we first got married 32 years ago she was 100 % ambulatory. Her legs still work but she can no longer can walk any distance over a few hundred feet without being in considerable pain. Her driving skills are excellent and we travel TV with a WALKER strapped to the back of the cart. I guess you would prefer the handicapped to stay out of sight like in the "good old days".

[kcrazorbackfan]

Big props to the FHP for determining that it wasn't a "medical issue" but just an idiot, reckless 81 y/o driver.

I wonder how many accidents in TV are initially told by the "driver of cause" that the accident was a "medical issue"? A thorough, complete investigation by LEO's will see right through that.

[graciegirl]

Big props to the FHP for determining that it wasn't a "medical issue" but just an idiot, reckless 81 y/o driver.

I wonder how many accidents in TV are initially told by the "driver of cause" that the accident was a "medical issue"? A thorough, complete investigation by LEO's will see right through that.



I am asking politely and respectfully that you pause before you use the word "elderly" especially in a scathing way.


You are "elderly" to our fine young grandchildren, but they would NEVER use the term because it isn't polite, or kind.


It is kind of like the word "pig". I have no use for unkindness when another word that is far more correct and less hurtful will do.

[manaboutown]

C'mon, GG, don't go all PC on us!

Frankly I find elderly descriptive, unobjectionable and neutral. I am now 74 years of age, ELDERLY, and proud of it. I am not in denial about being a senior citizen and am certainly not the man (nor the driver) I was at 35.

I also know a few folks whose lives have been destroyed by ELDERLY drivers!

[golfing eagles]

I am asking politely and respectfully that you pause before you use the word "elderly" especially in a scathing way.


You are "elderly" to our fine young grandchildren, but they would NEVER use the term because it isn't polite, or kind.


It is kind of like the word "pig". I have no use for unkindness when another word that is far more correct and less hurtful will do.

Look at it this way, GG.
To many in TV, the word "elderly" has a special meaning. It is a term of affection, a term of respect (paraphrased from Tom Hagen, Godfather I)

The same cannot be said for "pig", unless we are talking bacon! (sorry VPL):1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[kcrazorbackfan]

Shame on you! I have always found your posts to be very intelligent but this is just pure BS. My wife has cerebral palsy and uses a walker because of 6 decades of joint wear and tear. When we first got married 32 years ago she was 100 % ambulatory. Her legs still work but she can no longer can walk any distance over a few hundred feet without being in considerable pain. Her driving skills are excellent and we travel TV with a WALKER strapped to the back of the cart. I guess you would prefer the handicapped to stay out of sight like in the "good old days".

I apologize for offending you and your wife. This wasn't directed at the handicapped that are physically able to safely operate vehicle and carts, it was about people that are UNFIT physically, and/or mentally to safely operate a vehicle, including golf carts, anymore.

I'm 62 and don't remember any "good old days" of keeping the handicapped out of sight.

[twoplanekid]

On my brother’s lamp post sign up the street, he has “The younger R……..” So on my sign, I have “The elder R…….”

[joldnol]

I apologize for offending you and your wife. This wasn't directed at the handicapped that are physically able to safely operate vehicle and carts, it was about people that are UNFIT physically, and/or mentally to safely operate a vehicle, including golf carts, anymore.

I'm 62 and don't remember any "good old days" of keeping the handicapped out of sight.

Thank for the nice response. There was a time (pre 1980's) where a common recommendation to parents of a new born handicapped baby was to warehouse their child. Geraldo Rivera made his name by exposing a large hell hole institution in NY. Florida had a half dozen similar institutions until the 80's that were called Sunland. They not only housed the mentally handicapped but physically handicapped as well. In 1959 an Air Force doctor made that recommendation to my wife's parents. Fortunately they did not follow his advice.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Thank for the nice response. There was a time (pre 1980's) where a common recommendation to parents of a new born handicapped baby was to warehouse their child. Geraldo Rivera made his name by exposing a large hell hole institution in NY. Florida had a half dozen similar institutions until the 80's that were called Sunland. They not only housed the mentally handicapped but physically handicapped as well.

Again, my profound apologies. I do not remember that news from back then; I probably should have since I was in the early period of my career chasing the bad guys.

[graciegirl]

C'mon, GG, don't go all PC on us!

Frankly I find elderly descriptive, unobjectionable and neutral. I am now 74 years of age, ELDERLY, and proud of it. I am not in denial about being a senior citizen and am certainly not the man (nor the driver) I was at 35.

I also know a few folks whose lives have been destroyed by ELDERLY drivers!



We have discussed this before on this forum. Who do you think are more dangerous drivers statistically? Over 80 or under 20?


I do not mind at all being elderly. These are the most fun filled years of my life with no deadlines and no burdens of worries about jobs or kids. I am married to my dream guy and enjoy sharing our home with our sweet daughter. I wish I could make this part of my life go on forever.


I don't think I am a fan of political correctness, but as my Aunt Jane would remind us, Don't be crude like oil. Be refined, like sugar. Not funny, just nostalgic and indicative of my Ohio upbringing. My father figure was a police officer and he was never anything but well spoken. Of course he was 6'4" which back in the forties and fifties was really tall. To me he was a giant. I expect a lot from the men in blue.

[Topspinmo]

If we take driving away for health reasons the streets will be baron. Anybody that has worked for living over 60 has health issues.

NO ONE KNOWS WHEN medical episode going to happen, if we did we would go for medical help.

[golfing eagles]

On my brother’s lamp post sign up the street, he has “The younger R……..” So on my sign, I have “The elder R…….”

I've noticed:)

[dbussone]

If we take driving away for health reasons the streets will be baron. Anybody that has worked for living over 60 has health issues.



NO ONE KNOWS WHEN medical episode going to happen, if we did we would go for medical help.


Well & correctly stated. Thank you.

[manaboutown]

We have discussed this before on this forum. Who do you think are more dangerous drivers statistically? Over 80 or under 20 Over 80 without a doubt as studies show time and again!

[outlaw]

OK my emotions got the better of me on this incident. However the subject and the reality lays dormant and is triggered when I see a golf cart accident. I would never expect to read in the paper or dot com or where ever, an admission of speeding. No different than on the roads.

Hower, that all being said. After 12 years of walking 2-3 miles evey morning and driving the cart paths most days of that 12 years there is absolutely no question (in my experience) that speeding on the cart paths is an issue.

And I do not expect anymore to be done about golf cart speeding than the excessive amount of auto/truck speeding that takes place on our roadways day in and day out.

Can you point to just one golf cart accident in TV that was determined to be caused by excessive golf cart speed? I know there are carts that exceed the speed limit, but I really don't think accident stats will show we have a speeding/safety problem with carts.

[outlaw]

I feel that driving should no longer be considered a privilege granted by big brother. Places other than large urban centers do not have sufficient and affordable public transportation to support a large driverless community. Today, driving is so essential to our lives, that it should be considered almost a basic right, imo. Seniors would be unfairly discriminated against, and many would be virtually imprisoned in their homes. Daily outings that most of us take for granted, such as grocery shopping, doctor visits, bank stops, general shopping, eating out, become major logistical issues when one isn't allowed to drive. Many elderly (that's right, I used the E word) do not have a partner, children or friends for a dependable transportation support system. It is easy to say others should not be allowed to drive. It's another thing to accept it when it's your time. I don't begrudge these elderly people holding onto their access to the world; they may present additional risk behind the wheel. But no more than those on their cell phone, or dialing a number while driving (which I see virtually everyday). Or the speeding golfer late for a tee time. Or the person pulling out of McDonalds with a hamburger in one hand and a drink in the other. There are many daily behaviors on the roads that pose an unnecessary risk to others. Don't single out elderly people who really have no choice regarding their failing health and diminishing function.

[Chatbrat]

People kinda forget, that after a medical episode such as a stroke, a medical doctor can send a recommendation to the DMV and a persons drivers license will be REVOKED,2 that point a person can not operate any motor vehicle, including a golf cart

Furthermore ;I see lots of people driving their carts with a two handed death grip on the steering wheel. If golf carts require 2 hands to safely control them,IMHO a person with diminished arm and hand strength can not safely control a golf cart.

[outlaw]

People kinda forget, that after a medical episode such as a stroke, a medical doctor can send a recommendation to the DMV and a persons drivers license will be REVOKED,2 that point a person can not operate any motor vehicle, including a golf cart

Furthermore ;I see lots of people driving their carts with a two handed death grip on the steering wheel. If golf carts require 2 hands to safely control them,IMHO a person with diminished arm and hand strength can not safely control a golf cart.

Sounds like the people that think they need a two-hand death grip should not be driving...

[Sandtrap328]

A couple of months ago, I saw a golf cart on the MMP being driven by a man that was obese that he could not fit behind the steering wheel! He was sitting in the passenger sear, steering with his left hand, and operating the accelerator and brake with his left foot. Sure seemed to be an accident just looking for a place to happen.

[outlaw]

A couple of months ago, I saw a golf cart on the MMP being driven by a man that was obese that he could not fit behind the steering wheel! He was sitting in the passenger sear, steering with his left hand, and operating the accelerator and brake with his left foot. Sure seemed to be an accident just looking for a place to happen.

I saw him, too. I like his can do attitude, though.

[rubicon]

My lawyer specializes in elder care. My dentist too

Anyway I don't use "elderly" "old" when approaching subjects like this because it seems every segment of society all of a sudden needs a safe space and apparently that applies here too.

So for purposes of this thread let me say that given the demographic of this community, inattention, confusion, lack of flexibility, delayed synopsis firings are a fact of life. I keep hearing about speeding but I don't see it. Clearly with three types of traffic on crowded MMP's speed is unlikely.

Speed too fast for conditions is a catch all and an elusive one at that.

I could give you my liability assessment concerning the double fatality the other day, that would be as good as any attorney's but you would get bored.

One poster nailed it when he said the real culprit is over crowding. When it comes to the "O" word some residents go ballistics. So let's just say that all the roads MMP's restaurants, golf courses , etc are very well utilized.

Finally we talk about what's wrong but forget that given these very well utilized roads, etc things are pretty well uneventful

Personal Best Regards (and I mean that)

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We have discussed this before on this forum. Who do you think are more dangerous drivers statistically? Over 80 or under 20?


I do not mind at all being elderly. These are the most fun filled years of my life with no deadlines and no burdens of worries about jobs or kids. I am married to my dream guy and enjoy sharing our home with our sweet daughter. I wish I could make this part of my life go on forever.


I don't think I am a fan of political correctness, but as my Aunt Jane would remind us, Don't be crude like oil. Be refined, like sugar. Not funny, just nostalgic and indicative of my Ohio upbringing. My father figure was a police officer and he was never anything but well spoken. Of course he was 6'4" which back in the forties and fifties was really tall. To me he was a giant. I expect a lot from the men in blue.

Wrong question. Of course drivers under the age of 20 are more dangerous statistically. They include brand new drivers with little or no experience.

Drivers over the age of 80 have the most experience so, according to your criterion, it would stand to reason that they should be the safest. Sadly however, they are not.

How about comparing drivers in their 40s and 50s to drivers in their 80's. How about finding accident rates for drivers in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s and comparing them.

I imagine that there are plenty of drivers in their 80s who are quite capable and safe. Many in that age bracket however have diminished capacities both mentally and physically. Their reaction times are slower.

I'm not saying that people over a certain age shouldn't drive, but it makes sense that after a certain age, drivers get tested more often. it's really kind of absurd that we get tested once in our lives at age 16 and never again.

I would object to testing every ten years and every five years after a certain age. Maybe even annually after that.

I wen through hell with a former father-in-law who never had an accident in his life until he was about 78. The he had a multitude of small accidents and a few big ones. He almost killed a little girl before his children finally took action.

The man drove for about eight years when he shouldn't have been. He was extremely fortunate not to have caused serious injury or death.

[twoplanekid]

How easy is it for people who have lost their driver’s license, golf cart driving privileges to get around in the Villages? My time has not yet come to lose those privileges but I am interested in hearing about the systems in place in the Villages to help those needing transportation on a daily basis.

[memason]

How easy is it for people who have lost their driver’s license, golf cart driving privileges to get around in the Villages? My time has not yet come to lose those privileges but I am interested in hearing about the systems in place in the Villages to help those needing transportation on a daily basis.

Sadly, there isn't one. Only a taxi... ...or a friendly neighbor. Although, that is not much different anywhere folks live these days. Our society is geared for having and driving cars.

[Sailr303]

Please keep in mind that TWO of the most recent accidents were automobiles hitting golf carts! Please don't blame a cart operator for excessive speed because a car jumped the curb and nailed it.