Did I do something wrong? Please weigh in.

[coffeebean]

I have always been told the gates in this community aren't for security. The gates are for traffic control and to give the golf carts the opportunity to cross at the entrance/exit gates. OK, I agree with this.

I am one of those drivers who goes through the gate before it comes down. When the gate is delayed in coming down, there is no problem following the car before me. I will do this only if there is no golf cart waiting to pass through. I'm aware many believe this is wrong but I'm going to continue to be a part of a caravan when the gate is up (and no cart is waiting). It saves time and keeps the traffic moving.

Now my concern...... This morning as I was exiting the Mallory gate, two cars went through the gate and the second driver went through before the gate came down. I, who usually would follow in this caravan, did not. Why?.....because there was a fellow in a golf cart waiting to cross. I stopped and let the gate come down. Then I continued to wait to allow the guy in the golf cart to proceed. He didn't. He then waved at me to tell me to go. He yelled to me, "what are you doing"? I motioned to him to proceed. He still would not go. So.....I proceeded to go through the gate. As I drove through the gate, the golf cart guy yelled at me, "IDIOT!!!"

Was I wrong for stopping and allowing the golf cart to proceed? Am I under the wrong impression that the gates are for traffic control and to allow the golf carts to cross at the gate entrances and exits?

[rjm1cc]

No it is polite to take turns. The golf cart driver was probably trying to be polite also. My rule of thumb is to drive my golf cart as I would (should) drive my car. But if someone waves me on I go (if safe) as it is quicker that arguing over who should go first.

[Polar Bear]

I think the cart driver overreacted, coffeebean, but you may have a slight misconception of the gates and their purpose. While I do think they provide some security for TV, they are there predominantly for traffic calming...to keep traffic from speeding by without any concern at all for crossing golf carts. But the gates are not intended to make the driver of an automobile stop to allow a golf cart to cross. The car still has the right-of-way and should proceed safely through the gate even if carts are waiting.

Personally, I think there are those times when it might be good to let a cart go. An example might be if there are golf carts waiting at a crossing and there are car delays ahead of the gate so there is no place for a car to go immediately if it does proceed through the gate. Why not let a cart or two go until the congestion clears up. But I also do think those times are sort of rare. As a general rule, cars should proceed on through the gate and let the crossing golf carts take their gap when it comes.

Cars have the right-of-way. Golf carts have a stop sign. If everybody obeys the rules and drives with caution and consideration, the system works very well.

[Marathon Man]

I am one of those that will NOT pass in front of a car even when they wave me through. Here is why:

The golf cart approaching the intersection has a stop sign. The car does not. If I cross in front of the car, I am doing so even though I do not have the right of way. If the car driver's foot slips off the break and onto the gas, I am at fault because I should not have been there.

Look at it this way. You are in your car sitting at a stop sign waiting for an approaching car to cross through in front of you. But, as it reaches the intersection, it stops and the driver indicates that you should cross in front of him. What would you do?

I find that if cars will just keep moving through the gate, I do not need to wait long to cross. But those who stop to wave carts through cause other cars to back up behind them. Then the carts start to back up ...

Here is another thing. Does stopping and waving them through really save the cart any more time than if you had kept moving and it passed behind you?

Being nice. Being polite. Maybe. But I think it is less safe. Following the rules of the road means everything works best and safest.

[billethkid]

Do not caravan.

When a car holds up traffic and flags a golf cart to go....there is no favor or courtesy employed.

Selective enforcement, giving or taking the right away only confuses the majority who follow the rules.

[NotGolfer]

There has been a public service in the local paper as well as the radio saying Cars keep going and don't wave carts as it causes a dangerous situation. You are acting as a director of traffic which would be againest the law. PLUS it also has been said NOT to caravan thru the gate right behind another vehicle. Some time you'll get caught in the gate arm and don't think you'll want to be contacted to pay for it.

[VApeople]

I am one of those drivers who goes through the gate before it comes down.

I think you are wrong.

I think you should wait for the gate to at least start coming down before you use your card to make the gate go up. Then drive thought the gate at a slow speed.

As for the golf carts, you can pretty much ignore them. I almost never (like once a month or even less) ever wave for a golf cart to go in front of me. It is much easier to just focus on what I am doing.

[GoodLife]

Was I wrong for stopping and allowing the golf cart to proceed? Am I under the wrong impression that the gates are for traffic control and to allow the golf carts to cross at the gate entrances and exits?

Nope, you are wrong for caravanning through the gate. The gates are indeed designed to control traffic and allow carts and cars to interact peacefully. By caravanning though, you negate the design. The cart drivers are waiting to cross when they see gate close, when you caravan through all you do is confuse and scare them, doesn't matter that you "wave them through"

[coffeebean]

Was I wrong for stopping and allowing the golf cart to proceed? Am I under the wrong impression that the gates are for traffic control and to allow the golf carts to cross at the gate entrances and exits?

Nope, you are wrong for caravanning through the gate. The gates are indeed designed to control traffic and allow carts and cars to interact peacefully. By caravanning though, you negate the design. The cart drivers are waiting to cross when they see gate close, when you caravan through all you do is confuse and scare them, doesn't matter that you "wave them through"
I think you didn't quite get what I said. I do not caravan when there is a cart waiting. I let the gate go down. But I'm finding out now that I am wrong by waving a cart driver through. I won't do that anymore.

Driving through the gate in a caravan works very well when there is no cart traffic waiting. It moves the traffic so much faster. Some of those gates take what seems like an eternity to close. I think some of them need to be adjusted to come down more quickly.

[Fraugoofy]

I have always been told the gates in this community aren't for security. The gates are for traffic control and to give the golf carts the opportunity to cross at the entrance/exit gates. OK, I agree with this.

I am one of those drivers who goes through the gate before it comes down. When the gate is delayed in coming down, there is no problem following the car before me. I will do this only if there is no golf cart waiting to pass through. I'm aware many believe this is wrong but I'm going to continue to be a part of a caravan when the gate is up (and no cart is waiting). It saves time and keeps the traffic moving.

Now my concern...... This morning as I was exiting the Mallory gate, two cars went through the gate and the second driver went through before the gate came down. I, who usually would follow in this caravan, did not. Why?.....because there was a fellow in a golf cart waiting to cross. I stopped and let the gate come down. Then I continued to wait to allow the guy in the golf cart to proceed. He didn't. He then waved at me to tell me to go. He yelled to me, "what are you doing"? I motioned to him to proceed. He still would not go. So.....I proceeded to go through the gate. As I drove through the gate, the golf cart guy yelled at me, "IDIOT!!!"

Was I wrong for stopping and allowing the golf cart to proceed? Am I under the wrong impression that the gates are for traffic control and to allow the golf carts to cross at the gate entrances and exits?...

[GoodLife]

I think you didn't quite get what I said. I do not caravan when there is a cart waiting. I let the gate go down. But I'm finding out now that I am wrong by waving a cart driver through. I won't do that anymore.

Driving through the gate in a caravan works very well when there is no cart traffic waiting. It moves the traffic so much faster. Some of those gates take what seems like an eternity to close. I think some of them need to be adjusted to come down more quickly.

There are many gates where you can't see if carts are waiting to cross. Gates were designed wisely to allow one car per gate opening, not for caravanning.

What's your hurry?

[CWGUY]

There are many gates where you can't see if carts are waiting to cross. Gates were designed wisely to allow one car per gate opening, not for caravanning.

What's your hurry?

I agree.... what is the hurry? The OP is very wrong.

And there is a sign at each gate that says that gate comes down after each car. Here's some good video of cars and carts piggy backing.
Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/community/GateArms.aspx)

People should go to the GOLF CART DRIVING CLASS.

[simpkinp]

I guess I now know why the gate at Mallory Suare is often broken. You are tailgating and that is not allowed. Caravanning sounds like a cute name for it, it is not cute . What is your hurry? Save 30 seconds at what cost?

[dhsmith]

The op I think is talking about going out the gate not in.You can’t see carts while entering.On going out the gate the gate stays up while vehicles are present.

[n8xwb]

In my opinion you are/were wrong on both counts.

First you are supposed to wait for the gate to close and then use your gate card... It's folks like you that are the reason our gates are knocked down so often! One car at a time.....you have no way of knowing if you can beat the gate...

Second, cars shouldn't stop for golf carts. They are merging, or crossing the traffic lane. They are required to YIELD to traffic. When you try to be nice and yield to them, you can become a traffic impediment to the traffic behind you. You can in fact cause someone in a roundabout to have to stop in the circle because you are not traveling through the gate without undue delay.

You may be being polite, but you are WRONG and WRONG in my opinion!

[GoodLife]

The op I think is talking about going out the gate not in.You can’t see carts while entering.On going out the gate the gate stays up while vehicles are present.

There are some gates where carts cross inside, and some where they cross outside so doesn't matter.

This whole argument is stupid and the reason why umpteen gates get broken every year...impatient people.

It's like saying it's ok to run stop signs if nobody is there cuz it "helps move traffic along"

[Marathon Man]

I think you didn't quite get what I said. I do not caravan when there is a cart waiting. I let the gate go down. But I'm finding out now that I am wrong by waving a cart driver through. I won't do that anymore.

Driving through the gate in a caravan works very well when there is no cart traffic waiting. It moves the traffic so much faster. Some of those gates take what seems like an eternity to close. I think some of them need to be adjusted to come down more quickly.

Thank you.

[patfla06]

That video is unbelievable.
Why are these drivers in such a hurry?

[Buckeyephan]

If you are entering a neighborhood where there are two entry lanes, you must not caravan through. I have nearly been hit by people in the other lane doing just that. Having two gates allows for traffic to alternate between resident and visitor gates. When you rush through, the driver in the other lane cannot see you coming.

[CFrance]

Coffeebean, are you talking about entering or exiting the gates? When exiting the St. James gate (the roundabout at Buena Vista and St. Charles), nobody ever stops to let the gate come down; nor is there a sign saying to do that like there is on the entrance gate. The cart path crosses before the exit gate, and there is a continuous stream of auto traffic going through to exit. I think it would be extremely confusing to the carts for a car to stop before the cart path in order to let the gate come down, as there isn't enough room between the cart path and the exit gate to allow for more than one car, maybe two. And St. Charles is quite heavily traveled.

The entrance gate is a different kettle of fish. The sign says let the gate come down first, and you can't see if there's a cart coming. Also, it's designed to let the visitors through one by one as well, so they don't intersect each other on the other side of the gate.

[Arctic Fox]

...there was a fellow in a golf cart waiting to cross. I stopped and let the gate come down. Then I continued to wait to allow the guy in the golf cart to proceed. He didn't. He then waved at me to tell me to go. He yelled to me, "what are you doing"? I motioned to him to proceed. He still would not go. So.....I proceeded to go through the gate. As I drove through the gate, the golf cart guy yelled at me, "IDIOT!!!"

Had I been the cart driver I, too, would have stayed put until you had gone past, but I hope I would not have been rude about it.

[New Englander]

I've had people caravan behind me more than once and it aggravates me. As others have said, what's the hurry????

[Marathon Man]

I hope this thread has educated one more of those, shall I say......idiot car drivers.

Agree. But also the many cart drivers who are willing to cross in front of a car that has the right of way. I'm afraid this teaches car drivers that it is normal to stop and wave carts through. In fact, some comments here show that that thinking is already firmly in place.

Some cars stop, others do not. Some carts are willing to cross, others are not. This mixed up situation, I'm afraid, is an accident waiting to happen.

An example. A car stopped and waved me through. I indicated to the car that I was going to wait for him to continue through. A golf cart coming the other direction decided to cross in front of the car that had stopped, even though the car driver never gave any indication to him that he should go. The car driver of course never saw the other cart because he was focused on me. The car started across and - a near miss.

Please friends. Crossing in front of a car that has the right of way is risky. Even if you don't believe so.

[NotGolfer]

Agree. But also the many cart drivers who are willing to cross in front of a car that has the right of way. I'm afraid this teaches car drivers that it is normal to stop and wave carts through. In fact, some comments here show that that thinking is already firmly in place.

Some cars stop, others do not. Some carts are willing to cross, others are not. This mixed up situation, I'm afraid, is an accident waiting to happen.

An example. A car stopped and waved me through. I indicated to the car that I was going to wait for him to continue through. A golf cart coming the other direction decided to cross in front of the car that had stopped, even though the car driver never gave any indication to him that he should go. The car driver of course never saw the other cart because he was focused on me. The car started across and - a near miss.

Please friends. Crossing in front of a car that has the right of way is risky. Even if you don't believe so.

AGREED!!! Also...the folks who go 3/4 of the away around the circles in the outside lane to turn right and get p.o.'d if they get cut off by a vehicle in the left lane whose going right! There also has been discussion re: this ad nauseum on the social media sites as well. BUT the former is in the wrong and would get ticketed if an accident occurs....hate to think of the ramifications if an accident did occur!!!

[vintageogauge]

Cart or no cart you should NOT caravan, that is unless you are one of the privileged drivers that don't have to follow the rules.

[Abby10]

Coffeebean, are you talking about entering or exiting the gates? When exiting the St. James gate (the roundabout at Buena Vista and St. Charles), nobody ever stops to let the gate come down; nor is there a sign saying to do that like there is on the entrance gate. The cart path crosses before the exit gate, and there is a continuous stream of auto traffic going through to exit. I think it would be extremely confusing to the carts for a car to stop before the cart path in order to let the gate come down, as there isn't enough room between the cart path and the exit gate to allow for more than one car, maybe two. And St. Charles is quite heavily traveled.

The entrance gate is a different kettle of fish. The sign says let the gate come down first, and you can't see if there's a cart coming. Also, it's designed to let the visitors through one by one as well, so they don't intersect each other on the other side of the gate.

Thanks for pointing this out, CFrance. I know the rule about the right-away for cars vs carts, but not sure that I ever noticed the sign vs no sign that you mention. I've probably stopped and waited for the gate in some instances where I shouldn't have, aggravating people behind me in doing so, including golf carts! I assume what I highlighted in bold above is the key to the difference between some exit gates and others.

Again, thanks for the explanation.

[Polar Bear]

By the way, coffeebean, it's really good that you presented your question in such a reasonable manner and are willing to adjust your driving habits based on what you find out. Such good sense and open-mindedness is not that common on ToTV. My compliments! :)

[Abby10]

By the way, coffeebean, it's really good that you presented your question in such a reasonable manner and are willing to adjust your driving habits based on what you find out. Such good sense and open-mindedness is not that common on ToTV. My compliments! :)

I'll second that. I also appreciated the honesty presented in the post, knowing that could be a set-up for some flack on here.

[Marathon Man]

By the way, coffeebean, it's really good that you presented your question in such a reasonable manner and are willing to adjust your driving habits based on what you find out. Such good sense and open-mindedness is not that common on ToTV. My compliments! :)

I'll second that. I also appreciated the honesty presented in the post, knowing that could be a set-up for some flack on here.

I third it.

[coffeebean]

...

Just wondering.....

What does "..." mean?

[coffeebean]

There are many gates where you can't see if carts are waiting to cross. Gates were designed wisely to allow one car per gate opening, not for caravanning.

What's your hurry?

Most times, I'm not in a hurry. Sometimes am running late to what ever. I'm from NY. Maybe that will explain it. I see no reason for holding up a line of cars sitting at the gate waiting for it to close. The "eye" keeps the gate open if there is constant traffic going through it. So.......why not?

[jnieman]

Most times, I'm not in a hurry. Sometimes am running late to what ever. I'm from NY. Maybe that will explain it. I see no reason for holding up a line of cars sitting at the gate waiting for it to close. The "eye" keeps the gate open if there is constant traffic going through it. So.......why not?

Is this entering a gate or exiting a gate?

[coffeebean]

I agree.... what is the hurry? The OP is very wrong.

And there is a sign at each gate that says that gate comes down after each car. Here's some good video of cars and carts piggy backing.
Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/community/GateArms.aspx)

People should go to the GOLF CART DRIVING CLASS.

I've seen these videos before. The Del Mar gate comes down much quicker than the gates in my stomping ground. Actually, all the gates should be set to come down this quickly. Then people won't get "antsy" to get through the gate. The gates I deal with on a daily basis have a much longer delay before they begin to come down. That is why people caravan through these gates. I'm not the only one. Actually, I've really never seen anyone allow the gate to come down if someone is ahead of them.

[coffeebean]

I guess I now know why the gate at Mallory Suare is often broken. You are tailgating and that is not allowed. Caravanning sounds like a cute name for it, it is not cute . What is your hurry? Save 30 seconds at what cost?

Folks don't know how to time the gate. That's why you will see the Mallory gate broken many times. It's not really that difficult to stay close to the car in front of you, yet not have to "tailgate". Every time I go through those exit gates, the gate never comes down all the way as long as a car is approaching. I have absolutely no idea the stupidity it takes to actually break that gate. I've never been a witness to it happening.

[coffeebean]

The op I think is talking about going out the gate not in.You can’t see carts while entering.On going out the gate the gate stays up while vehicles are present.

Yes, this is correct.

[coffeebean]

In my opinion you are/were wrong on both counts.

First you are supposed to wait for the gate to close and then use your gate card... It's folks like you that are the reason our gates are knocked down so often! One car at a time.....you have no way of knowing if you can beat the gate...

Second, cars shouldn't stop for golf carts. They are merging, or crossing the traffic lane. They are required to YIELD to traffic. When you try to be nice and yield to them, you can become a traffic impediment to the traffic behind you. You can in fact cause someone in a roundabout to have to stop in the circle because you are not traveling through the gate without undue delay.

You may be being polite, but you are WRONG and WRONG in my opinion!

I already said upthread that I will never wave on a golf cart at the gates. I know I am was wrong about that. Cars always have the right of way in the gate areas and I do understand that.

[coffeebean]

deleted

[coffeebean]

There are some gates where carts cross inside, and some where they cross outside so doesn't matter.

This whole argument is stupid and the reason why umpteen gates get broken every year...impatient people.

It's like saying it's ok to run stop signs if nobody is there cuz it "helps move traffic along"

Excellent point and point well taken, But......there are no stop signs for cars at the gates.

[coffeebean]

If you are entering a neighborhood where there are two entry lanes, you must not caravan through. I have nearly been hit by people in the other lane doing just that. Having two gates allows for traffic to alternate between resident and visitor gates. When you rush through, the driver in the other lane cannot see you coming.

I NEVER EVER caravan through the gate while entering a neighborhood, especially Mallory. The gate is timed to come down much too quickly. That is why the Mallory gate is broken often. People play chicken with the gate on the way in and the gate will win every time.

It is the Mallory exit gate that is slow as molasses in January (a northern expression). That's why nearly everyone caravans through the exit gate.

[coffeebean]

Coffeebean, are you talking about entering or exiting the gates? When exiting the St. James gate (the roundabout at Buena Vista and St. Charles), nobody ever stops to let the gate come down; nor is there a sign saying to do that like there is on the entrance gate. The cart path crosses before the exit gate, and there is a continuous stream of auto traffic going through to exit. I think it would be extremely confusing to the carts for a car to stop before the cart path in order to let the gate come down, as there isn't enough room between the cart path and the exit gate to allow for more than one car, maybe two. And St. Charles is quite heavily traveled.

The entrance gate is a different kettle of fish. The sign says let the gate come down first, and you can't see if there's a cart coming. Also, it's designed to let the visitors through one by one as well, so they don't intersect each other on the other side of the gate.

By George, I think you've got it!!!! This.....exactly at the Mallory gate too.

[Wing-nut2]

If you stop in the street or at an intersection to let a golf car or car go, you, under Florida law, may have assumed liability for anything that happens at that intersection while you are controlling traffic. This happened to my daughter. A driver stoped to let her turn left into a shopping center. A car passed him on the grass to his right. The car on the grass hit my daughter in the passenger side. In court, the driver of the car that stop and let my daughter go was given i ticket and he was held liable for the damages to both cars. Unless something has changed, it's not a good idea to stop and let people go. So under the conditions here if you let the cart pass in front of you and it gets hit by a car coming IN the gate, you have have assumed liability for the accident. Check this for yourself. The law changes and things might not be the same. Or, they just might be the same.

[coffeebean]

By the way, coffeebean, it's really good that you presented your question in such a reasonable manner and are willing to adjust your driving habits based on what you find out. Such good sense and open-mindedness is not that common on ToTV. My compliments! :)

Thank you.

[coffeebean]

If you stop in the street or at an intersection to let a golf car or car go, you, under Florida law, may have assumed liability for anything that happens at that intersection while you are controlling traffic. This happened to my daughter. A driver stoped to let her turn left into a shopping center. A car passed him on the grass to his right. The car on the grass hit my daughter in the passenger side. In court, the driver of the car that stop and let my daughter go was given i ticket and he was held liable for the damages to both cars. Unless something has changed, it's not a good idea to stop and let people go. So under the conditions here if you let the cart pass in front of you and it gets hit by a car coming IN the gate, you have have assumed liability for the accident. Check this for yourself. The law changes and things might not be the same. Or, they just might be the same.

I didn't realize this. Thank you for this information. I will never ever direct traffic again. No waving on to anyone.....in a car or a cart. Thanks again.

[dirtbanker]

I have always been told the gates in this community aren't for security. The gates are for traffic control and to give the golf carts the opportunity to cross at the entrance/exit gates. OK, I agree with this.

I am one of those drivers who goes through the gate before it comes down. When the gate is delayed in coming down, there is no problem following the car before me. I will do this only if there is no golf cart waiting to pass through. I'm aware many believe this is wrong but I'm going to continue to be a part of a caravan when the gate is up (and no cart is waiting). It saves time and keeps the traffic moving.

Now my concern...... This morning as I was exiting the Mallory gate, two cars went through the gate and the second driver went through before the gate came down. I, who usually would follow in this caravan, did not. Why?.....because there was a fellow in a golf cart waiting to cross. I stopped and let the gate come down. Then I continued to wait to allow the guy in the golf cart to proceed. He didn't. He then waved at me to tell me to go. He yelled to me, "what are you doing"? I motioned to him to proceed. He still would not go. So.....I proceeded to go through the gate. As I drove through the gate, the golf cart guy yelled at me, "IDIOT!!!"

Was I wrong for stopping and allowing the golf cart to proceed? Am I under the wrong impression that the gates are for traffic control and to allow the golf carts to cross at the gate entrances and exits?

Yes, you were wrong.

The gates are intended to be opened for 1 vehicle at a time. They are not opened for 3 cars at a time.

The cars AND carts trying to "caravan" through the open gates are the reason the gates are being damaged all the time.

As to the "who should go"...



Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[dirtbanker]

AGREED!!! Also...the folks who go 3/4 of the away around the circles in the outside lane to turn right and get p.o.'d if they get cut off by a vehicle in the left lane whose going right! There also has been discussion re: this ad nauseum on the social media sites as well. BUT the former is in the wrong and would get ticketed if an accident occurs....hate to think of the ramifications if an accident did occur!!!Is anyone here capable of reading the sign at the entrance to the round about, the one that illustrate which lane can go where???

Old and blind...

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[CFrance]

Is anyone here capable of reading the sign at the entrance to the round about, the one that illustrate which lane can go where???

Old and blind...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk
We've passed it so many times it's imprinted on my brain.

[perrjojo]

Years ago I was turning left across 2 lanes of traffic. A very nice gentleman stopped and waved me through. I did not see the oncoming car in the second lane. He did not see me. I was T boned and totaled my car. The gentleman waving me on was polite and well meaning but the end result was not good. I will never cross because I have been waved by. It doesn’t matter if I am in a car or cart or a pedestrian. Your intent was genuine and the cart driver was rude but he was correct to wait until you passed.

[JohnN]

cars have the right of way, always. you were wrong

[VApeople]

Most times, I'm not in a hurry. Sometimes am running late to what ever. I'm from NY. Maybe that will explain it. I see no reason for holding up a line of cars sitting at the gate waiting for it to close. The "eye" keeps the gate open if there is constant traffic going through it. So.......why not?

Because the driver in front of you might stop before you get through the gate and the big metal arm might come down on you.

You might wonder why the driver in front of you would stop. We old people do strange things.

[Miles42]

No you did nothing wrong there are a few dips driving golf carts that should not

[coffeebean]

Because the driver in front of you might stop before you get through the gate and the big metal arm might come down on you.

You might wonder why the driver in front of you would stop. We old people do strange things.

The entrance gate comes down very quickly regardless if there is a car approaching. I NEVER caravan through the entrance gate. I always have my gate card scanned to get through the gate.

The exit gate is another story. The gate stays up as long as there is a car approaching. It is the exit gate I caravan through.....not the entrance gate. Even if the car in front of me stops, the exit gate remains up until no car is present.

It really is a simple concept.

[CFrance]

The entrance gate comes down very quickly regardless if there is a car approaching. I NEVER caravan through the entrance gate. I always have my gate card scanned to get through the gate.

The exit gate is another story. The gate stays up as long as there is a car approaching. It is the exit gate I caravan through.....not the entrance gate. Even if the car in front of me stops, the exit gate remains up until no car is present.

It really is a simple concept.
I agree with you on the exit gate. And I have never seen anyone stop and wait for the exit gate to go down. At St. James gate, you would practically be sitting on the golf cart crossing path while waiting for the gate to go down and then come back up again.

But also, I would not stop and let carts go through. It's confusing. They expect to have to wait.

[photo1902]

Much ado about nothing. Similar posts resurface every few months. It’s an easy concept: don’t caravan through the gates (coming or going) and if in a cart and you’re waved through by a courteous driver, check to make sure both lanes are clear before proceeding. Just as you would regardless of traffic conditions.

[Chi33]

Going out if there is a bottleneck or no one behind you then its okay to wave them through but coming in you should drive first.

[perrjojo]

It’s funny that we all seem to have our own set of rules in this situation.

[graciegirl]

It’s funny that we all seem to have our own set of rules in this situation.

Well said.

We are old and don't tell us what to do?
We think this rail that goes up and down is silly?
It's alright to confuse new cart drivers by letting them cross?
I don't want to waste time reading how to circumvent a roundabout?
I think the gates are foolish so I can caravan if I want to?

Or....just follow the rules like we all learned in kindergarten.

[Marathon Man]

Going out if there is a bottleneck or no one behind you then its okay to wave them through but coming in you should drive first.

If there is no one behind you, why not just continue on through the gate? The carts can then safely cross behind you.

Pleas read all the entries in this thread. You might change your view.

[coffeebean]

Much ado about nothing. Similar posts resurface every few months. It’s an easy concept: don’t caravan through the gates (coming or going) and if in a cart and you’re waved through by a courteous driver, check to make sure both lanes are clear before proceeding. Just as you would regardless of traffic conditions.

As I was exiting through the Mallory gate this morning, I purposely checked to see how long it takes for the gate to come down. I was about two car lengths away from the gate. I counted 15 seconds (no one behind me) and the gate stayed up! Now do you understand why caravanning through that gate is done all the time? I don't think that gate will come down ever as long as there is a car approaching it. I don't think anyone will wait longer than 15 seconds for the gate to come down. That is just silly.

[Marathon Man]

As I was exiting through the Mallory gate this morning, I purposely checked to see how long it takes for the gate to come down. I was about two car lengths away from the gate. I counted 15 seconds (no one behind me) and the gate stayed up! Now do you understand why caravanning through that gate is done all the time? I don't think that gate will come down ever as long as there is a car approaching it. I don't think anyone will wait longer than 15 seconds for the gate to come down. That is just silly.

Agreed. Just keep rolling slowly and make sure that it is staying up before you start to go under. I don't stop and wait for the gate to come down when exiting St. James. I move through the gate and any waiting carts get to cross behind me.

Now - This only applies to exit gates where the carts cross on the inside of the gate. Bridgeport gates, for example, have the carts crossing outside of the exit gates. In this case, a cart may reasonable expect that the gate is going to close after the car passes. A caravanning car may not be seen and a conflict can happen.

[pqrstar]

Going out if there is a bottleneck or no one behind you then its okay to wave them through but coming in you should drive first.

wondering why you wave them through if NO ONE IS BEHIND YOU.
After you pass by them, they can go.

[billethkid]

Agreed. Just keep rolling slowly and make sure that it is staying up before you start to go under. I don't stop and wait for the gate to come down when exiting St. James. I move through the gate and any waiting carts get to cross behind me.

Now - This only applies to exit gates where the carts cross on the inside of the gate. Bridgeport gates, for example, have the carts crossing outside of the exit gates. In this case, a cart may reasonable expect that the gate is going to close after the car passes. A caravanning car may not be seen and a conflict can happen.

The cart path at Bridgeport at Lake Miona is inside the gate. Caravaning through that entry gate is most assuredly a high risk move endangering cart drivers. It is a blind entry with no ability to see the cart path until well inside past the gate!!!

[coffeebean]

Agreed. Just keep rolling slowly and make sure that it is staying up before you start to go under. I don't stop and wait for the gate to come down when exiting St. James. I move through the gate and any waiting carts get to cross behind me.

Now - This only applies to exit gates where the carts cross on the inside of the gate. Bridgeport gates, for example, have the carts crossing outside of the exit gates. In this case, a cart may reasonable expect that the gate is going to close after the car passes. A caravanning car may not be seen and a conflict can happen.

I haven't gone through the Bridgeport exit gate. Does it come down in a timely manner? Can the people in carts see the gate come down? If they can see the gate, wouldn't they wait to see the gate come down rather than proceeding and causing an accident?

[Marathon Man]

The cart path at Bridgeport at Lake Miona is inside the gate. Caravaning through that entry gate is most assuredly a high risk move endangering cart drivers. It is a blind entry with no ability to see the cart path until well inside past the gate!!!

I was speaking of the exit gate at Bridgeport of Lake Sumter.

[Marathon Man]

I haven't gone through the Bridgeport exit gate. Does it come down in a timely manner? Can the people in carts see the gate come down? If they can see the gate, wouldn't they wait to see the gate come down rather than proceeding and causing an accident?

This is the gate that they recently made some changes to. Most notably, removal of two speed bumps. Other changes improved visibility. And, the programing of the gate was changed to attempt to better control car traffic exiting though the gate and into the intersection. Not sure what it does now, but in the past it could start to close and then open up again without going all the way down (as do other exit gates. This is not a problem where the carts cross on the inside (village side), but it certainly can be where carts cross on the outside (round-a-bout side).

[billethkid]

When you get a chance...go through the entrance gate to the village of Bridgeport at Lake Miona.

You will note you cannot see the cart path to the left until well inside the gate and on the path.

Then note what the cart driver can(not) see....coming from the left...the gate and whether the arm is up or down or if there is a car there.

The problem is more precarious than the Bridgeport at Lake Sumter exit before being modified.

Try it.

[dirtbanker]

I haven't gone through the Bridgeport exit gate. Does it come down in a timely manner? Can the people in carts see the gate come down? If they can see the gate, wouldn't they wait to see the gate come down rather than proceeding and causing an accident?

I am getting the impression; NONE of the gates operate in a "timely manner" for this poster...

The people in the carts waiting; might have seen a few impatient snow birds (in cars) drive thru a gate (that took more than FIFTEEN seconds!) and those in the cart have decided they can afford the few seconds to make sure the car is actually going to stop.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[Marathon Man]

When you get a chance...go through the entrance gate to the village of Bridgeport at Lake Miona.

You will note you cannot see the cart path to the left until well inside the gate and on the path.

Then note what the cart driver can(not) see....coming from the left...the gate and whether the arm is up or down or if there is a car there.

The problem is more precarious than the Bridgeport at Lake Sumter exit before being modified.

Try it.

Have you attended a PWAC meeting and voiced your concerns? That led to the modifications at the other Bridgeport gate.

[coffeebean]

I am getting the impression; NONE of the gates operate in a "timely manner" for this poster...

The people in the carts waiting; might have seen a few impatient snow birds (in cars) drive thru a gate (that took more than FIFTEEN seconds!) and those in the cart have decided they can afford the few seconds to make sure the car is actually going to stop.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

No, that is not true. The entrance gates at Mallory and Odel Circle south come down very quickly. There is absolutely no opportunity to caravan through these entrance gates. I wish all the gates operated in this timely fashion. That way, every car would have to use their gate pass to enter and exit a village.

[New Englander]

In my opinion, caravanning is wrong no matter how fast or slow the gate operates.

[coffeebean]

In my opinion, caravanning is wrong no matter how fast or slow the gate operates.

Have you been through the Mallory exit gate? Sometimes, I think it will never come down when there is a car approaching. It just plays a bouncing game but does not come down. Are you saying you still would not go through with the gate staying up? In a sense, that is caravanning with the car that went through before you......not letting the gate come down and have your card scanned to raise the gate.

I realize, some of these gate do not function the way they are designed to. Why is it some folks insist it is wrong to go through the gate without having your card scanned? You would sit there all day on principle.

[Polar Bear]

I've never had an entrance gate...where you have to use your card...stay up so long I felt delayed. And I live in Mallory. I might swipe before it's all the way down. But I always swipe, never caravan. No problem or delay at all.

[billethkid]

Have you been through the Mallory exit gate? Sometimes, I think it will never come down when there is a car approaching. It just plays a bouncing game but does not come down. Are you saying you still would not go through with the gate staying up? In a sense, that is caravanning with the car that went through before you......not letting the gate come down and have your card scanned to raise the gate.

I realize, some of these gate do not function the way they are designed to. Why is it some folks insist it is wrong to go through the gate without having your card scanned? You would sit there all day on principle.

The highlighted sentences above above attempt to shift the intent of the original post query.

[coffeebean]

The highlighted sentences above above attempt to shift the intent of the original post query.

Agree. Th discussion has shifted from waving on a cart driver (which I am now aware is the absolute wrong thing to do) to how the exit gates are delayed in coming down.

I guess you just have to hit the gate right (no pun intended) and be in a spot where the eye is evidently capturing the "object" and will not come down. For a very short time (maybe a couple of days) I thought the Mallory exit gate was fixed because it did come down very quickly after a car went through with no room at all to caravan. That didn't last long however as it seems the exit gate is back to its usual ways and stays up if a car has approached it.

[CFrance]

The highlighted sentences above above attempt to shift the intent of the original post query.
I agree with you, and that's why I asked OP if she meant coming into the gate (i.e., card must be scanned) or going out, where card isn't scanned.

In my mind there is a huge difference. I would never caravan going in, where you need to scan your card. At our St. James gate, a sign on the gate arm says it comes fully down after each car.

On the way out there is no such sign, and if each car in a line of exiting cars stopped to wait for the gate to come down, the golf cart drivers would be very confused, because their crossing path is before the exit gate arm.

[MorTech]

I don't think you are suppose to caravan thru the Exit gate...If the Exit side gate is removed, TV will put up a Stop sign at the gate. I just assume every car exiting will caravan.

When I am waiting to cross on the MMP, I will yield to all cars exiting until one of them slows and waves me thru to the center median...And then I will wave back to acknowledge them letting me cross. Cars always have the right of way.

But Please...Don't be "nice" and wave people on ( I don't care how pretty she is :)) that violates right of way. Bad things can happen and it can be your fault if an accident occurs.

[autumnspring]

It should be clear that many do not know what the traffic rules are and then the few that do know have an excuse as to why they do not follow them.

[Chi33]

wondering why you wave them through if NO ONE IS BEHIND YOU.
After you pass by them, they can go.

Just said it is okay. They asked if they were doing something wrong. If there is no one behind you, then you aren't bothering anyone.

Everyone wants to troll. Ugh. We should all support each other.

[Abby10]

wondering why you wave them through if NO ONE IS BEHIND YOU.
After you pass by them, they can go.

Just said it is okay. They asked if they were doing something wrong. If there is no one behind you, then you aren't bothering anyone.

Everyone wants to troll. Ugh. We should all support each other.

:thumbup:

Kind of like the glass half empty or half full - you can look at the situation both ways and neither is necessarily wrong. Nothing to really argue about.......and yet we do. :(

I am pretty much a rule follower, but once in awhile a small act of kindness that isn't hurting someone else by doing so is okay with me too.

[billethkid]

The problem with using judgement vs following the rules?
One is subjected to evaluate each encounter then decide whether to follow the rules, break/bend the rules, be nice by not following the rules......

Hence opportunity for error.

Big deal? Probably not...most of the time.

However, when all is said and done, there is no acceptable/reason/excuse for breaking the rules/laws.

When everybody follows the rules things usually work better/smoother....most of the time.

And it is much, much easier to follow the rules than weigh the hundreds of thousands of random "judgements".

[Polar Bear]

Agree with bille. You often don't know when a "courtesy" could lead a cart driver into an unforeseen dangerous situation.

[Abby10]

Agree with bille. You often don't know when a "courtesy" could lead a cart driver into an unforeseen dangerous situation.

I see both of your points and agree. Taking into consideration that it sounds like the person was using good judgment at the time and was only trying to be kind, I understood why he/she might stop. However, following the rules does clear the mind by not having to make unnecessary decisions - should I stop, should I go, etc. We tend to have enough distractions and things to look out for on the road without putting ourselves into the position of making these unnecessary decisions. So, back to simply following the rules. :)

[Marathon Man]

The problem with using judgement vs following the rules?
One is subjected to evaluate each encounter then decide whether to follow the rules, break/bend the rules, be nice by not following the rules......

Hence opportunity for error.

Big deal? Probably not...most of the time.

However, when all is said and done, there is no acceptable/reason/excuse for breaking the rules/laws.

When everybody follows the rules things usually work better/smoother....most of the time.

And it is much, much easier to follow the rules than weigh the hundreds of thousands of random "judgements".

Well said. Traffic rules exist for a reason. Why not follow them? Why take it upon yourself to do something different and risk something happening when your judgement fails.

[blueeagle65]

You won't tailgate behind me. I'll stop dead to make sure you don't. Don't be so lazy.

[coffeebean]

You won't tailgate behind me. I'll stop dead to make sure you don't. Don't be so lazy.

Huh?

[Marathon Man]

You won't tailgate behind me. I'll stop dead to make sure you don't. Don't be so lazy.

Oh yea. That's a great idea.

[ColdNoMore]

You won't tailgate behind me. I'll stop dead to make sure you don't. Don't be so lazy.

That's the type of behavior which results in road rage incidents...that makes front page headlines. :ohdear:

[Bogie Shooter]

That's the type of behavior which results in road rage incidents...that makes front page headlines. :ohdear:

Don't tailgate and you will never know.....................

[ColdNoMore]

Don't tailgate and you will never know.....................
I don't.

Nor do I worry about someone following too close to me.

However, if you are one of those who are bothered by someone you think is too close, just slam on your brakes and stop in the middle of a busy street...to see if I was wrong. :ho:

[Polar Bear]

...Nor do I worry about someone following too close to me...
You should...they're putting you in danger. If you have to stop quickly for an unanticipated obstruction, you're the one who gets hit from behind.

I'm not saying cause a road rage incident. But if you're being tailgated and just proceed on like nothing is amiss, you're making a mistake and asking for trouble.

[ColdNoMore]

You should...they're putting you in danger. If you have to stop quickly for an unanticipated obstruction, you're the one who gets hit from behind.

I'm not saying cause a road rage incident. But if you're being tailgated and just proceed on like nothing is amiss, you're making a mistake and asking for trouble.

If someone is following too closely for too long, I simply slow down until such time that they decided to go around me. Or on the extremely rare occasion that I'm not keeping up with traffic because I'm going too slowly...I might speed up a bit.

The last thing I would ever do, per the comment above...is to slam on the brakes and come to a stop.

Which makes absolutely no sense...if anyone of even average intelligence thinks about it.

You're worried about someone being too close and hitting you if you have to stop...so you "stop dead" anyway? :oops:

[graciegirl]

If someone is following too closely for too long, I simply slow down until such time that they decided to go around me. Or on the extremely rare occasion that I'm not keeping up with traffic because I'm going too slowly...I might speed up a bit.

The last thing I would ever do, per the comment above...is to slam on the brakes and come to a stop.

Which makes absolutely no sense...if anyone of even average intelligence thinks about it.

You're worried about someone being too close and hitting you if you have to stop...so you "stop dead" anyway? :oops:


That isn't what POLAR BEAR posted. That is what Blue Eagle posted. (stopping dead) Do not lose sight that most of us are reasonable human beings. I can't remember being tailgated here more than once or twice in ten years. I have been passed a few times each year, usually at high season. Stay Calm and Carry On.

[Chatbrat]

After seeing the videos of all the golf carts whacking the DelMar gate-IMHO its time for TV to require some for of ID on all golf carts-@ a cost of $250/per gate arm--the cost to TV- has to be in excess of $250K/year

also/ when the shield of anonymity is removed--maybe some drivers would drive in a responsible manner

[graciegirl]

After seeing the videos of all the golf carts whacking the DelMar gate-IMHO its time for TV to require some for of ID on all golf carts-@ a cost of $250/per gate arm--the cost to TV- has to be in excess of $250K/year

also/ when the shield of anonymity is removed--maybe some drivers would drive in a responsible manner

Chatbrat, I wish you owned a golf cart and drove around here a lot. It really is doable and safe if you are careful and use common sense and stay calm. It is much more crowded on the cart paths during January, February and March and there are many people unused to the place and the procedures and many who come from large metropolitan areas, used to public transit who don't drive much so we all have to drive as if everyone is out to get us. People are going to do astonishing things so stay ready.

And every step we would make in enforcing I.D. on golf carts and keeping them current would be highly expensive just as every bureaucratic step is, and also fraught with it's own issues. Someone must pay the bill.

[PennBF]

I guess my question is why the OP takes pleasure in violating the rules of The Villages which is for each car to wait until the first one has cleared the gate. Per the stated reasons for the gate is to (1) alert each driver they are entering into a golf cart community and (2) to be able to identify traffic in and out of the village(s). What pride does anyone have in being able to abuse these rules and goals of the Villages. :bowdown:

[VApeople]

But if you're being tailgated and just proceed on like nothing is amiss, you're making a mistake and asking for trouble.

Why would I be asking for trouble?

Since I am a slow driver, I often get tailgaters following too closely. I just keep driving at the same speed and the tailgaters either lose their nerve and back off or manage to pass me.

On Morse and Buena Vista, I drive 35 mph and almost never have a problem with tailgaters, but on the two-lane roads around places like Pedro or Floral City with speed limits of 55 mph, I sometimes do not have the nerve to drive that fast.

If you do not know where Pedro is, you haven't lived.

[coffeebean]

I guess my question is why the OP takes pleasure in violating the rules of The Villages which is for each car to wait until the first one has cleared the gate. Per the stated reasons for the gate is to (1) alert each driver they are entering into a golf cart community and (2) to be able to identify traffic in and out of the village(s). What pride does anyone have in being able to abuse these rules and goals of the Villages. :bowdown:

OP here......I suggest you haven't taken the time to read all the posts in this thread. You will realize I don't take pleasure at all in violating the rules when exiting some of these villages. Not all villages have a sign posted at the exits that the gate comes down after each vehicle. Folks who frequent the St. James gate have the same issues with the exit gate not coming down in a timely manner.

I have tried to allow the gate to come down as I exit Mallory but the darn thing remains up. My car approaches the gate after another car has gone through and I'm at least two car lengths away from the gate. The darn gate stays up. I said that already a few posts ago. I guess you either ignored that post or you haven't read all the posts in this thread.

Maybe TPTB will be made aware of this thread and fix the Mallory exit gate to come down quickly after a car goes through, even if another car approaches the "eye".

[Polar Bear]

Why would I be asking for trouble?...
Because you're one unexpected emergency stop from getting rear-ended.

[JoMar]

OP here......I suggest you haven't taken the time to read all the posts in this thread. You will realize I don't take pleasure at all in violating the rules when exiting some of these villages. Not all villages have a sign posted at the exits that the gate comes down after each vehicle. Folks who frequent the St. James gate have the same issues with the exit gate not coming down in a timely manner.

I have tried to allow the gate to come down as I exit Mallory but the darn thing remains up. My car approaches the gate after another car has gone through and I'm at least two car lengths away from the gate. The darn gate stays up. I said that already a few posts ago. I guess you either ignored that post or you haven't read all the posts in this thread.

Maybe TPTB will be made aware of this thread and fix the Mallory exit gate to come down quickly after a car goes through, even if another car approaches the "eye".

Must be a constant emergency I guess....everyone needs to hurry up, drivers, those that determine gate speed, why can't everyone understand I am in a hurry and they should be too.

[Mikeod]

There seems to be confusion regarding the entrance and exit gates. The entrance gates require the use of the gate pass to raise the gate. Tailgating through the gate to avoid using your own pass is unsafe as carts crossing have to depend on that short delay to cross the street.

The exit gates are controlled by a sensor buried in the road surface that detects the presence of a vehicle to raise the gate. The gate will stay up as long as there is a vehicle present to trigger the sensor. For the exit gates, you do not have to wait for the gate to come down from the vehicle in front of you to pass through. In most instances, carts waiting to cross can see the traffic exiting the gate and know when it is sage to proceed.

Stopping to wave a cart across instead of proceeding creates an unsafe situation. Even though it appears courteous, it sends the wrong signal to cart drivers who may expect this is standard procedure and pull out in front of a vehicle. It also creates a surprise for vehicles behind who don't expect you to stop when there is no obvious reason to.

I can understand that when the exit lane is backed up from the roundabout through the gate that it may be courteous to allow cart traffic to cross rather than block them, but that is the only time it may be appropriate to do so. Remember that the cart is still at risk from traffic entering the gate.

[Abby10]

There seems to be confusion regarding the entrance and exit gates. The entrance gates require the use of the gate pass to raise the gate. Tailgating through the gate to avoid using your own pass is unsafe as carts crossing have to depend on that short delay to cross the street.

The exit gates are controlled by a sensor buried in the road surface that detects the presence of a vehicle to raise the gate. The gate will stay up as long as there is a vehicle present to trigger the sensor. For the exit gates, you do not have to wait for the gate to come down from the vehicle in front of you to pass through. In most instances, carts waiting to cross can see the traffic exiting the gate and know when it is sage to proceed.

Stopping to wave a cart across instead of proceeding creates an unsafe situation. Even though it appears courteous, it sends the wrong signal to cart drivers who may expect this is standard procedure and pull out in front of a vehicle. It also creates a surprise for vehicles behind who don't expect you to stop when there is no obvious reason to.

I can understand that when the exit lane is backed up from the roundabout through the gate that it may be courteous to allow cart traffic to cross rather than block them, but that is the only time it may be appropriate to do so. Remember that the cart is still at risk from traffic entering the gate.

This makes so much sense, clearly written and specific. Thank you. I know this cleared up a lot of the confusion for me. Hope it does the same for others. Again, thanks for taking the time to post.

[coffeebean]

There seems to be confusion regarding the entrance and exit gates. The entrance gates require the use of the gate pass to raise the gate. Tailgating through the gate to avoid using your own pass is unsafe as carts crossing have to depend on that short delay to cross the street.

The exit gates are controlled by a sensor buried in the road surface that detects the presence of a vehicle to raise the gate. The gate will stay up as long as there is a vehicle present to trigger the sensor. For the exit gates, you do not have to wait for the gate to come down from the vehicle in front of you to pass through. In most instances, carts waiting to cross can see the traffic exiting the gate and know when it is sage to proceed.

Stopping to wave a cart across instead of proceeding creates an unsafe situation. Even though it appears courteous, it sends the wrong signal to cart drivers who may expect this is standard procedure and pull out in front of a vehicle. It also creates a surprise for vehicles behind who don't expect you to stop when there is no obvious reason to.

I can understand that when the exit lane is backed up from the roundabout through the gate that it may be courteous to allow cart traffic to cross rather than block them, but that is the only time it may be appropriate to do so. Remember that the cart is still at risk from traffic entering the gate.

I didn't know there was a sensor in the road to detect cars that are exiting at the gates. I thought there was an "eye" that sees a car approaching. Either way, the gate stays up at the exit when a car is present. Thanks for the insight.

[Bogie Shooter]

Why would I be asking for trouble?

Since I am a slow driver, I often get tailgaters following too closely. I just keep driving at the same speed and the tailgaters either lose their nerve and back off or manage to pass me.

On Morse and Buena Vista, I drive 35 mph and almost never have a problem with tailgaters, but on the two-lane roads around places like Pedro or Floral City with speed limits of 55 mph, I sometimes do not have the nerve to drive that fast.

If you do not know where Pedro is, you haven't lived.

The point was tailgating thru gates.....not on Morse.

[CWGUY]

:icon_bored: This thread is hanging in there like a hair in a biscuit.

[Bogie Shooter]

OP here......I suggest you haven't taken the time to read all the posts in this thread. You will realize I don't take pleasure at all in violating the rules when exiting some of these villages. Not all villages have a sign posted at the exits that the gate comes down after each vehicle. Folks who frequent the St. James gate have the same issues with the exit gate not coming down in a timely manner.

I have tried to allow the gate to come down as I exit Mallory but the darn thing remains up. My car approaches the gate after another car has gone through and I'm at least two car lengths away from the gate. The darn gate stays up. I said that already a few posts ago. I guess you either ignored that post or you haven't read all the posts in this thread.

Maybe TPTB will be made aware of this thread and fix the Mallory exit gate to come down quickly after a car goes through, even if another car approaches the "eye".

Here you go. Send you concerns to District Property Management. Maybe they can adjust the gate to your satisfaction.
The District Property Management Department is responsible for upholding the aesthetic, physical and environmental assets of the District by maintaining the District’s physical assets and infrastructure.
Sam Wartinbee, Director
sam.wartinbee@districtgov.org

[VApeople]

There seems to be confusion regarding the entrance and exit gates. The entrance gates require the use of the gate pass to raise the gate. Tailgating through the gate to avoid using your own pass is unsafe as carts crossing have to depend on that short delay to cross the street.

Here is what happened to me today.

We were coming off Buena Vista and entering the gate to go east on Pinellas. We were in the left lane.

The guy in the right lane used his card to open his gate and went through. The guy behind tried to follow him closely behind, but the gate started coming down so he had to quickly stop.

In the meantime, I used my card to open the left gate and went through. Than I noticed the person in the right lane had gotten through and pulled very closely behind me. I drove 30 mph down Pinellas and he tailgated me until I turned left into Bonifay.

I thought it was pretty funny.

[dotti105]

Do not caravan.

When a car holds up traffic and flags a golf cart to go....there is no favor or courtesy employed.

Selective enforcement, giving or taking the right away only confuses the majority who follow the rules.

Well stated! Everyone needs to just follow the same rules. Obviously that does not happen, as evidenced by the number of gate repairs we see.

[bilcon]

I was always under the impression that CARS have the right away over Golf Carts. It amazes me that golf carts just pull out when they merge with the roadway. If you were entering I-75 would you just pull out in front of traffic ? Maybe one time, but that would be all. Some think it is courteous to let golf carts cross. What about the line of cars behind you waiting to go through the gate. Just saying......

[Cynthia Robinson]

You did nothing wrong. That guy was the idiot!

[Marathon Man]

You did nothing wrong. That guy was the idiot!

Please read all the entries on this thread. You may learn some important things about golf cart navigation here.

[graciegirl]

You did nothing wrong. That guy was the idiot!

koo koo kachoo.

[coffeebean]

You did nothing wrong. That guy was the idiot!

This thread is 11 pages long at this point so I'm not sure you are replying to the OP (me). I assume you are saying I did nothing wrong when I waved on a guy in a golf cart waiting to cross at the gate exit. After 11 pages of responses in this thread, I realize waving a cart driver or a driver in any vehicle, is the absolute wrong thing to do. It may be a nice gesture but it is still very wrong. The cart guy's reaction by being nasty to me was criticized by folks on this thread. However, everyone said they would have done the same thing Mr. Cart guy did.......stay put until I went through the gate.