Unsafe driving by contractor

[golow]

We’ve all seen it and been frustrated, or maybe even a bit outraged… dangerous driving by contractors. I recognize that I and my fellow residents don’t always drive perfectly, but large vehicles that are pulling /carrying heavy loads should be held to a high bar when it comes to safe driving.

I have previously called community watch and the local police after having near-miss accidents with construction trucks being poorly driven. The unsatisfying responses I got back were “We can’t do anything about it, but we’ll make a note of it”. Gee, thanks. And yes, I am sure that these were not my fault. You can recognize me on the road; I’m the one who stops at stop signs, obeys the speed limit, uses my directional signal, and is always looking out for the other person.

The latest episode occurred yesterday around 4:30-4:45 pm at the gate at Morse/Hillsborough. While proceeding through the resident gate, I observed two unmarked vehicles going through the visitor gate. The first was a truck with a loaded trailer followed by a loaded red ford pickup truck. The first vehicle buzzed in; the second vehicle didn’t bother and gunned through right behind the first one before the gate could close. They headed west at close to 10 mph over the speed limit (I’ve seen worse, but this is not acceptable) to one of the neighborhoods in the Village of Hillsborough (around Long Loop/Merry Rd). As I drove by, I saw the owner come out to talk to them, so I have no doubt that they are legitimate contractors. I do have more specific information (tag # and address) that I am not posting here.

Here is my request. 1) If you are the home owner, please let these gentlemen know that driving safely is an important part of being a good contractor and that people are watching. If you appreciate safe driving and were just getting a bid for some work, consider letting them know that they are not getting the job because of their unsafe driving. 2) If you are one of this man’s neighbors, consider bringing it to his attention, as he might not see this post. I would want my neighbors to do the same for me. If there is a financial cost to unsafe driving, perhaps we will get less of it.

And thank you to all the people doing work here that do drive safely and carefully. You are clearly in the majority and your efforts are very much appreciated in making this a wonderful place to live.

[RickeyD]

We’ve all seen it and been frustrated, or maybe even a bit outraged… dangerous driving by contractors. I recognize that I and my fellow residents don’t always drive perfectly, but large vehicles that are pulling /carrying heavy loads should be held to a high bar when it comes to safe driving.



I have previously called community watch and the local police after having near-miss accidents with construction trucks being poorly driven. The unsatisfying responses I got back were “We can’t do anything about it, but we’ll make a note of it”. Gee, thanks. And yes, I am sure that these were not my fault. You can recognize me on the road; I’m the one who stops at stop signs, obeys the speed limit, uses my directional signal, and is always looking out for the other person.



The latest episode occurred yesterday around 4:30-4:45 pm at the gate at Morse/Hillsborough. While proceeding through the resident gate, I observed two unmarked vehicles going through the visitor gate. The first was a truck with a loaded trailer followed by a loaded red ford pickup truck. The first vehicle buzzed in; the second vehicle didn’t bother and gunned through right behind the first one before the gate could close. They headed west at close to 10 mph over the speed limit (I’ve seen worse, but this is not acceptable) to one of the neighborhoods in the Village of Hillsborough (around Long Loop/Merry Rd). As I drove by, I saw the owner come out to talk to them, so I have no doubt that they are legitimate contractors. I do have more specific information (tag # and address) that I am not posting here.



Here is my request. 1) If you are the home owner, please let these gentlemen know that driving safely is an important part of being a good contractor and that people are watching. If you appreciate safe driving and were just getting a bid for some work, consider letting them know that they are not getting the job because of their unsafe driving. 2) If you are one of this man’s neighbors, consider bringing it to his attention, as he might not see this post. I would want my neighbors to do the same for me. If there is a financial cost to unsafe driving, perhaps we will get less of it.



And thank you to all the people doing work here that do drive safely and carefully. You are clearly in the majority and your efforts are very much appreciated in making this a wonderful place to live.



I've seen SUV's, BMW's, Corvettes driving like total idiots. Maybe they were contractors before they retired ?

[Bogie Shooter]

Our friends, the deputies cannot be everywhere all the time.

[John_W]

In 2011 when the Villages of Tamarind Grove and Buttonwood were being built, I think it was in June a villager in a golf cart was killed at the end of my street. A contractor on Tamrind Grove Blvd buzzed through the stop sign at St. Charles and the golf cart going up St. Charles T-boned the landscaper coming out.

It was that way for about 2 or 3 years, constant backups waiting to get on St. Charles and impatient drivers cutting in and out and landscapers doing what they wanted. Now that our area, which also includes the Villages of Pennecamp and St. James has been finished and most yard landscaping has been accomplished, it is no longer the big hassle, it has moved to other areas.

[Villager Joyce]

Yes, there are lots of cars and carts driving over the speed limit. To me there is a big difference when it is a huge Fed Ex or UPS or City Furniture or concrete truck or landscape truck and trailer. They will win. Right or wrong. They are going to win.

[DangeloInspections]

I almost got slammed today by a big concrete block truck driving incorrectly in a roundabout. I'm super careful in those things....I am constantly reminding myself to keep away from others in the next lane.
I was in the correct lane, but he was bigger. When I drive in a roundabout, I consider everyone else to be radioactive.

Frank

[justjim]

I honestly think most, not all, contractors are safe drivers. Of Course, we notice and get frustrated at the few that are careless. Being able to drive is so important to a contractor, I can't imagine why they wouldn't follow the laws and drive safely. Most do.

[Jaggy]

I almost got slammed today by a big concrete block truck driving incorrectly in a roundabout. I'm super careful in those things....I am constantly reminding myself to keep away from others in the next lane.
I was in the correct lane, but he was bigger. When I drive in a roundabout, I consider everyone else to be radioactive.

Frank

I love that quote.. " I consider everyone else to be radioative". what is sad.. is it is the truth.. you have to be aware...

[Polar Bear]

I love that quote.. " I consider everyone else to be radioative"...

Basically that's what the law requires...yield to all vehicles in the roundabout.

[Bogie Shooter]

I love that quote.. " I consider everyone else to be radioative". what is sad.. is it is the truth.. you have to be aware...

Nothing new. I remember a long time ago when I began driving, my dad telling me to always watch the other guy/gal.

[Stdole]

I live in Soaring Eagle (new section of Osceola Hills) we now are about 75% built out with residents making this their homes... Fully aware still a construction site..
and things will not be perfect for construction vehicle traffic to follow all the laws to the "T"... but my home faces opposite a STOP SIGN... I have counted over and
over again 8 out of 10 vehicles (mainly construction) run the STOP SIGN completely... not the so call slow down or Calif. stop... nope completely straight through..
at times almost running into our Community Watch vehicles. Sometimes coming to rest at the edge of my front yard. I have called The Villages Contractor Services
and they could care less... not interested... even when I just ask them to contact the companies (SUCH AS TD CONCRETE, SLOANS, DECOR PAINTING) just to name
three. Not interested in passing along to the heads of the Sub Contractors to ask their staff to obey the traffic laws... I have called the individual companies myself..
Not interested in the least... So I will be writing or meeting with Sumter County Sheriff to request concentrated patrols during working hours... a few tickets
or more should do the trick as the grape vine among works is working just fine... For The Village Contractor Mgm. you should be ashamed of your style of
management and concern in this complaint. If you would like to email me direct that would be just fine and I would be more than happy to brings pictures since
your Security Patrols have apparently no notes of this or just to dam busy to be bothered. No opinions here this is basic fact material. Just let me know if you
The Village Mgm. would like to work with me on this and let me know I will start getting tag numbers over a month period and times... but I am not waisting my time
until I hear your plans on this situation... I am sure you read these threads, so will I hear from you? I will post the findings later on this forum as the checkers are
your next move.

[JoelJohnson]

"You can't fix stupid"

[ColdNoMore]

Simply the cost of doing business with the low bidder. :shrug:

[NotGolfer]

We live in an older, established, built-out neighborhood....we've observed vehicles (both contractors and residents) blow through a stop-sign near our house. We've almost gotten t-boned by these and they give "US" the look like "what?"!!! Too many people do NOT observe signs here. We're all seen it...yields at the round-abouts too aren't observed. I don't know where any of these individuals had their driving-training but if they were taught the rules (laws) they don't think any of it applies to them.

[VApeople]

We live in the east side of Osceola Hills where there are LOTS of new homes being built so we always have to deal with construction traffic, and we think they obey the rules of the road pretty well. For example, if we are driving along Deskin and a construction vehicle is driving on a side road, they always stop and wait for us go by.

One time I was walking along and I saw a truck go through a stop sign, but it was in an area where no one lived and it was about 50 yards from where I was walking, so it did not bother me.

I am all for enforcing rules (especially traffic and dog leash) but somehow I have warm feelings toward the construction workers. They work very hard under tough conditions. One morning during my morning walk one guy even offered me a bottle of water. I guess an old guy sweating must look kind of pitiful.

[graciegirl]

I too like all those folks who work hard out in the hot sun. I admire them. But sometimes they are careless and lousy drivers. Sometimes residents are careless and lousy drivers. I overheard someone say that if you move here from Miami you consider a red light just a suggestion.

I really think that St. Dole overstates the problem and I am skeptical about people NOT CARING. There is a limited amount of things to be done in this situation. You have to be law enforcement and catch them in the act. Reporting their license number and arresting them from a third party's siting would not be a good thing over time. People would misuse that and be turning in their exes and stuff like that.

[kcrazorbackfan]

We’ve all seen it and been frustrated, or maybe even a bit outraged… dangerous driving by contractors. I recognize that I and my fellow residents don’t always drive perfectly, but large vehicles that are pulling /carrying heavy loads should be held to a high bar when it comes to safe driving.

I have previously called community watch and the local police after having near-miss accidents with construction trucks being poorly driven. The unsatisfying responses I got back were “We can’t do anything about it, but we’ll make a note of it”. Gee, thanks. And yes, I am sure that these were not my fault. You can recognize me on the road; I’m the one who stops at stop signs, obeys the speed limit, uses my directional signal, and is always looking out for the other person.

The latest episode occurred yesterday around 4:30-4:45 pm at the gate at Morse/Hillsborough. While proceeding through the resident gate, I observed two unmarked vehicles going through the visitor gate. The first was a truck with a loaded trailer followed by a loaded red ford pickup truck. The first vehicle buzzed in; the second vehicle didn’t bother and gunned through right behind the first one before the gate could close. They headed west at close to 10 mph over the speed limit (I’ve seen worse, but this is not acceptable) to one of the neighborhoods in the Village of Hillsborough (around Long Loop/Merry Rd). As I drove by, I saw the owner come out to talk to them, so I have no doubt that they are legitimate contractors. I do have more specific information (tag # and address) that I am not posting here.

Here is my request. 1) If you are the home owner, please let these gentlemen know that driving safely is an important part of being a good contractor and that people are watching. If you appreciate safe driving and were just getting a bid for some work, consider letting them know that they are not getting the job because of their unsafe driving. 2) If you are one of this man’s neighbors, consider bringing it to his attention, as he might not see this post. I would want my neighbors to do the same for me. If there is a financial cost to unsafe driving, perhaps we will get less of it.

And thank you to all the people doing work here that do drive safely and carefully. You are clearly in the majority and your efforts are very much appreciated in making this a wonderful place to live.

Yea, and picture this scenario - if SOME OF YOU go out and talk to (confront) the wrong person (contractor/lawn person) and they know where you live, that might not be what you want to do. Just an public service announcement for your safety and peace of mind.

[circletrack]

I live in Soaring Eagle (new section of Osceola Hills) we now are about 75% built out with residents making this their homes... Fully aware still a construction site..
and things will not be perfect for construction vehicle traffic to follow all the laws to the "T"... but my home faces opposite a STOP SIGN... I have counted over and
over again 8 out of 10 vehicles (mainly construction) run the STOP SIGN completely... not the so call slow down or Calif. stop... nope completely straight through..
at times almost running into our Community Watch vehicles. Sometimes coming to rest at the edge of my front yard. I have called The Villages Contractor Services
and they could care less... not interested... even when I just ask them to contact the companies (SUCH AS TD CONCRETE, SLOANS, DECOR PAINTING) just to name
three. Not interested in passing along to the heads of the Sub Contractors to ask their staff to obey the traffic laws... I have called the individual companies myself..
Not interested in the least... So I will be writing or meeting with Sumter County Sheriff to request concentrated patrols during working hours... a few tickets
or more should do the trick as the grape vine among works is working just fine... For The Village Contractor Mgm. you should be ashamed of your style of
management and concern in this complaint. If you would like to email me direct that would be just fine and I would be more than happy to brings pictures since
your Security Patrols have apparently no notes of this or just to dam busy to be bothered. No opinions here this is basic fact material. Just let me know if you
The Village Mgm. would like to work with me on this and let me know I will start getting tag numbers over a month period and times... but I am not waisting my time
until I hear your plans on this situation... I am sure you read these threads, so will I hear from you? I will post the findings later on this forum as the checkers are
your next move.

I'd suggest setting up a simple video camera in your window during peak times and posting it online. I'm sure the online news would love a video like that as they post similar traffic videos and parking photos constantly.

It might be the only way to get officials to pay attention.

[Topspinmo]

Bottom line! It's law emforcement job to control traffic laws. IMO 70% speed. 80% don't completely stop at stop signs, 90% don't use turn signals, 90% complains how the other person drives.:blahblahblah:

[Polar Bear]

Bottom line! It's law emforcement job to control traffic laws. IMO 70% speed. 80% don't completely stop at stop signs, 90% don't use turn signals, 90% complains how the other person drives.:blahblahblah:

Okay. But not sure I see your point.

[rubicon]

Bottom line! It's law emforcement job to control traffic laws. IMO 70% speed. 80% don't completely stop at stop signs, 90% don't use turn signals, 90% complains how the other person drives.:blahblahblah:

Ain't that the truth. .....

Contractors, et al have heavy schedules and at times an infraction is going to happen and may possible lead to an accident.

On the other hand we have many retirees committing the same infractions some of whom lament "what's your hurry your retired"
Hmmmm

People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks. Well I can since I never ever commit an infraction:D

However when I do I'll guarantee that those cops that don't care will be waiting for me

[spring_chicken]

When I see contractors driving dangerously, I make a mental note of the name of the company and call them when I get home. I tell them that I will not be hiring their company because their drivers are too dangerous and I don't want them anywhere near my house. Most of the time, they are very apologetic and promise to address the situation. Sometimes, they are very rude and that's how I know that I'm talking to the one who was driving like an idiot.

[Bogie Shooter]

I live in Soaring Eagle (new section of Osceola Hills) we now are about 75% built out with residents making this their homes... Fully aware still a construction site..
and things will not be perfect for construction vehicle traffic to follow all the laws to the "T"... but my home faces opposite a STOP SIGN... I have counted over and
over again 8 out of 10 vehicles (mainly construction) run the STOP SIGN completely... not the so call slow down or Calif. stop... nope completely straight through..
at times almost running into our Community Watch vehicles. Sometimes coming to rest at the edge of my front yard. I have called The Villages Contractor Services
and they could care less... not interested... even when I just ask them to contact the companies (SUCH AS TD CONCRETE, SLOANS, DECOR PAINTING) just to name
three. Not interested in passing along to the heads of the Sub Contractors to ask their staff to obey the traffic laws... I have called the individual companies myself..
Not interested in the least... So I will be writing or meeting with Sumter County Sheriff to request concentrated patrols during working hours... a few tickets
or more should do the trick as the grape vine among works is working just fine... For The Village Contractor Mgm. you should be ashamed of your style of
management and concern in this complaint. If you would like to email me direct that would be just fine and I would be more than happy to brings pictures since
your Security Patrols have apparently no notes of this or just to dam busy to be bothered. No opinions here this is basic fact material. Just let me know if you
The Village Mgm. would like to work with me on this and let me know I will start getting tag numbers over a month period and times... but I am not waisting my time
until I hear your plans on this situation... I am sure you read these threads, so will I hear from you? I will post the findings later on this forum as the checkers are
your next move.

This is your course of action. The "Village Mgm", has no authority to enforce the traffic laws in Sumter County.

[justjim]

Some of these comments remind me of the "town and gown" conflicts when I was in college. Come on, give them a break. Maybe some of the contractors see us residents thumbing our noses at Stop signs and follow our lead. Nah! Oops watch your grammar Jim. Fore!