Aggressive vehicle driving toward golf carts

[Rockyola]

I witnessed a gray SUV yesterday (2/28/20) on Morse Blvd around 5:30 PM heading south near the 466 gate driving very aggressively. I observed a golf cart in front of me put their blinker on to cross Morse (southbound) to get to the median to cross the northbound traffic just north of the 466 gate. The golf cart was over 200 feet in the clear of this gray SUV. The gray SUV had to be going well over 50 MPH because the SUV closed the gap very quickly on the golf cart. The golf cart barely was in the median when the driver of the SUV pulled up on them (in the median) and almost rammed the golf cart and laid on the horn for about 5 seconds, then drove off at a quick pace. We don't need this type of behavior in The Villages people. Please remember this is a golf cart community and golf carts share some of the roads we drive on so lets try and be respectful and safe.

[EdFNJ]

While you are correct, if there were a new thread for every incident of bad golf cart or car driving that one sees around here this forum would explode. Oh wait, there is! ;)

[Bogie Shooter]

I witnessed a gray SUV yesterday (2/28/20) on Morse Blvd around 5:30 PM heading south near the 466 gate driving very aggressively. I observed a golf cart in front of me put their blinker on to cross Morse (southbound) to get to the median to cross the northbound traffic just north of the 466 gate. The golf cart was over 200 feet in the clear of this gray SUV. The gray SUV had to be going well over 50 MPH because the SUV closed the gap very quickly on the golf cart. The golf cart barely was in the median when the driver of the SUV pulled up on them (in the median) and almost rammed the golf cart and laid on the horn for about 5 seconds, then drove off at a quick pace. We don't need this type of behavior in The Villages people. Please remember this is a golf cart community and golf carts share some of the roads we drive on so lets try and be respectful and safe.
Always a possibility, wasn't a Villager...…..

[Carla B]

That is a treacherous road (Morse, north of 466) for golf carts and especially at that crossing. Drivers of cars should pay attention and drive cautiously and not recklessly.

[ColdNoMore]

That is a treacherous road (Morse, north of 466) for golf carts and especially at that crossing. Drivers of cars should pay attention and drive cautiously and not recklessly.

I absolutely agree that location is dangerous and poorly designed.

I think there's enough room to build a two-way MMP, on the east side of Morse, from San Marino (first traffic light north of the gate) down to the wood bridge by the church...and would be much safer.

You could still keep the cart lane south of San Marino on the west side of Morse, for those that need to access those other couple of roads/villages...but they at least wouldn't have to cross Morse.

[Bay Kid]

Some people need anger management.

[TimeForChange]

In my over eight years here I have seen it all. Most of the time the aggressive drivers are contractors with a trailer. I have had them blow their horn, curse me with the widow down, shoot me the middle finger.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I think if they had built a tunnel under Morse at that gate, or possibly a bridge over it, that would've solved the problem. Would have also been awesome if they'd widened that rickety wood bridge that curves around the gate area by just four inches on each side. That thing is slippery when wet - the tiniest skid while slowing down could send a golf cart right into the water below!

[Bogie Shooter]

I think if they had built a tunnel under Morse at that gate, or possibly a bridge over it, that would've solved the problem. Would have also been awesome if they'd widened that rickety wood bridge that curves around the gate area by just four inches on each side. That thing is slippery when wet - the tiniest skid while slowing down could send a golf cart right into the water below!
Never happened...………………………..

[ColdNoMore]

Never happened...………………………..

Actually...it did.

About 3-4 (5?) years ago, a woman missed the bridge and went into the water...while headed north.

Which is why shortly after, they redid it and widened it...just a tad.

They could/should...have went even wider.

[melcirullo@sbcglobal.net]

Not to discredit what you had witness, And to the goof ball that was driving like an idiot, but I'm surprised the golf cart used its blinkers

[graciegirl]

I think if they had built a tunnel under Morse at that gate, or possibly a bridge over it, that would've solved the problem. Would have also been awesome if they'd widened that rickety wood bridge that curves around the gate area by just four inches on each side. That thing is slippery when wet - the tiniest skid while slowing down could send a golf cart right into the water below!

As The Villages built and grew, the planners got better. I think that the area's decisions in that area are managed by the residents after the dumb "lawsuit". Not so south of 466, it is still the CDD way of things. I like that.

[Bogie Shooter]

Actually...it did.

About 3-4 (5?) years ago, a woman missed the bridge and went into the water...while headed north.

Which is why shortly after, they redid it and widened it...just a tad.

They could/should...have went even wider.
I stand informed.:ho:

[Viclarms]

I witnessed a gray SUV yesterday (2/28/20) on Morse Blvd around 5:30 PM heading south near the 466 gate driving very aggressively. I observed a golf cart in front of me put their blinker on to cross Morse (southbound) to get to the median to cross the northbound traffic just north of the 466 gate. The golf cart was over 200 feet in the clear of this gray SUV. The gray SUV had to be going well over 50 MPH because the SUV closed the gap very quickly on the golf cart. The golf cart barely was in the median when the driver of the SUV pulled up on them (in the median) and almost rammed the golf cart and laid on the horn for about 5 seconds, then drove off at a quick pace. We don't need this type of behavior in The Villages people. Please remember this is a golf cart community and golf carts share some of the roads we drive on so lets try and be respectful and safe.

It happened to me twice. At the St James gate turning onto St Charles in my cart. I was turning left onto Barksdale and waiting for oncoming cars to clear once a white SUV with Wisconsin license plate goes into the golf cart lane on the right and passes around me and beeps the horn as he goes by. The second time at the same location again I’m turning left at the same street. He comes full spread out of the gate I’m waiting to turn he comes up behind me goes into the golf cart lane to drive around me and opens his window and yells at me “GO”. This was a black SUV with Florida license plate. Isn’t the cart lane only open to carts and bicycles? I’m pretty certain cars are never allowed in that lane. Anyone?? Is that the case?? Why have people become so rude and aggressive. 🙁

[dmarti1973]

We have no idea what the motivation of the SUV driver was. Mad at someone? A personal emergency? We take your word for what you saw. I have also seen golf cart drivers think they have the right of way when merging into roadways from the golf cart lane. I have also investigated hundreds of traffic accidents during my career. I was often amazed when people who say they are eye witnesses to the same event have totally divergent perspectives.

[Chatbrat]

I always pass a golf cart as quickly as possible to getfar away from them, IMHO after observing golf cart drivers for the past 9 1/2 years-lots of drivers in golf carts are too distracted to be considered safe drivers and girls this applies to you constantly turning your heads to talk to each other, guys think you are super cool driving with you leg hangin out & making a u-turn from one golf cart lane to another across 2 lanes of road way--and most texting & driving in any vehicle--this may happen because lots of cart drivers think they are exempt from DMV rules

[ldovermiller]

Where is our "invisible" police protection...oh, I know.....they are fund raising!!! What a joke!

[MOMOH]

It would also be nice if they took part of the sidewalk out on the bridge on Morse going across the lake to make the golf cart lanes wider. I never see any walkers on that bridge. It would make that section so much safer.

[Bogie Shooter]

Where is our "invisible" police protection...oh, I know.....they are fund raising!!! What a joke!

Really???

[Shyer]

I live close to this area. The Villages wasn't expecting the growth when Morse Blvd N. of 466 was made. They said it can't be changed because of the expense. How much is a life worth??

The police dept needs to spend a little more time in the area monitoring and writing tickets!

One thing you can do when you see this happening is call the
Non Emergency phone number of the police department *** 352-793-2621
add this to your contacts and report it.

[VApeople]

It is wise to avoid situations that you think are dangerous. Don't expect other people to care about your safety. Look out for yourself.

If you think it is dangerous to drive your golf cart in a certain place, then don't drive there. If you want to go there, then drive a safer vehicle, like a car.

Roads anywhere can be dangerous, so you will probably be safer in a larger vehicle. Don't bring a knife to a gunfight.

[Chatbrat]

Another aspect, which has been discussed on this forum, is the abject anonymity of the golf cart and because of this, there is a perception of entitlement--meaning, I can do whatever I want and get away with it-until there is no way ID'ing golf carts---there will always be problems

[AlFricchione]

It’s gong to happen no matter what lecture you feel entitled to give us Villagers. Perhaps he did not live in TV or any other explanation. I’m not excusing this behavior however I don’t want a lecture calling me “people” either!

[golfing eagles]

I live close to this area. The Villages wasn't expecting the growth when Morse Blvd N. of 466 was made. They said it can't be changed because of the expense. How much is a life worth??

The police dept needs to spend a little more time in the area monitoring and writing tickets!

One thing you can do when you see this happening is call the
Non Emergency phone number of the police department *** 352-793-2621
add this to your contacts and report it.

This assumes that speed is the cause of most accidents---I submit that lousy drivers, drunks, and those that should have given up their license years ago are the major cause. Again, I'd rather be sharing the road with a NASCAR champion exceeding the speed limit than most drivers in TV going well under it.

[ts12755]

Remember 10 to 20 percent of adults suffer from mental illness... So we will always get people that snap.

[Chatbrat]

Legally blind, dementia--and they still drive in Fl--just renewed my license, I'm 77, the state of Fl, can let met drive unexamined for the next 8 years--the State is nuts, because they totally cave in to the senior vote--even though its wrong

[dillywho]

I absolutely agree that location is dangerous and poorly designed.

I think there's enough room to build a two-way MMP, on the east side of Morse, from San Marino (first traffic light north of the gate) down to the wood bridge by the church...and would be much safer.

You could still keep the cart lane south of San Marino on the west side of Morse, for those that need to access those other couple of roads/villages...but they at least wouldn't have to cross Morse.

Yes, this location could use a revamping. Just also consider that if and when that happens, traffic patterns will be interrupted while it is accomplished. Better get ready for the onslaught of complaints about THAT. In any case, there is absolutely no excuse for a driver in an SUV or any other vehicle to drive in a manner as to intimidate another regardless of what they are driving. Reckless, rude, and/or aggressive is not acceptable behavior.

[dillywho]

This assumes that speed is the cause of most accidents---I submit that lousy drivers, drunks, and those that should have given up their license years ago are the major cause. Again, I'd rather be sharing the road with a NASCAR champion exceeding the speed limit than most drivers in TV going well under it.

Lives are worth much more than the people here are willing to have to pay. Sad.

[dillywho]

Just a thought, but WHY do people move to a golf cart community and then complain because people are operating them? Did they not KNOW that the golf carts would be sharing the roads in most instances? Or do they think it will change just because THEY come here? Is it the same reasoning they use when moving to what is supposed to be a retirement community and then complain that "old people" live here?

[golfing eagles]

Lives are worth much more than the people here are willing to have to pay. Sad.

Just a question: What does your post have to do with what I posted?

[MEbner2805]

The golf carts don’t have any right of way over vehicles here and they need to heed and yield to all cars and stop driving entities as there are way more cars than golf carts here! If the cat wants to go 50mph that’s their prerogative and golf carts need to stay clear of all cars and go on roads with caution! I don’t apologize for my speed I want to drive.

[VApeople]

I'm 77, the state of Fl, can let met drive unexamined for the next 8 years--the State is nuts

I agree!!

When I was in college at the Univ. of Florida in the late 60's, I recall having to go to the police station to take a yearly physical exam. They asked me to read something and answer a couple very simple questions. They also had a simple vision and hearing test.

I thought it was great. They were basically testing to see if I was alive. This simple test probably weeded out people who should not be driving a car.

Unfortunately, this testing was discontinued after a year or two. I wish we still had it in the state.

[Chatbrat]

anyone ever think the term "Golf Cart Community" is synonymous with another term "company store"--golf carts, most are sold thru the villages, finance thru the villages, serviced by the villages and restricted road use limits all activities to the villages--as in "16 tons" you owe your soul to the villages

[dillywho]

Just a question: What does your post have to do with what I posted?

To answer your question, it has to do with all the ones saying that the area needs to be upgraded to be safer. I agree with you and am all for saving lives, but too many are not as concerned. They are more concerned about their pocketbooks.

[golfing eagles]

The golf carts don’t have any right of way over vehicles here and they need to heed and yield to all cars and stop driving entities as there are way more cars than golf carts here! If the cat wants to go 50mph that’s their prerogative and golf carts need to stay clear of all cars and go on roads with caution! I don’t apologize for my speed I want to drive.

Not true at all. There are situations where the car has the right of way, and others where the cart has the right of way, Cars are required to slow to 20 at merge points, so a cart is free to merge if it has enough of a lead on the car (after signaling) . And if you want to drive 50 on Morse north of 466, you MOST CERTAINLY NEED TO APOLOGIZE

[Number 10 GI]

Cars are required to slow to 20 at merge points, so a cart is free to merge if it has enough of a lead on the car (after signaling) .

Please cite the code or law that requires this. If it isn't a traffic law how can it be enforced?

[golfing eagles]

Please cite the code or law that requires this. If it isn't a traffic law how can it be enforced?

Read the sign before any merge point

[Chatbrat]

Remember the merging vehicle NEVER has right away, if something goes wrong, try and prove the car going straight was speeding--YOU will lose

[golfing eagles]

Remember the merging vehicle NEVER has right away, if something goes wrong, try and prove the car going straight was speeding--YOU will lose

It's a question of position relative to the vehicle in the lane. Using your term of "NEVER", you would have to sit at a merge point waiting for a car 2 miles away to come, which is clearly not the case. So therefore the question is how far ahead does the cart have to be to merge? If the cart is going 20, and the car is following the posted speed limit of 20 at the merge point, the car should never close the distance. But since we all know THAT doesn't happen (especially with the person who wants to drive 50 on Morse without apology), a car going 30 will close on a cart going 20 at 14.67 feet/second. So a lead of 100-150 feet should be more than sufficient unless Ray Charles is driving.

[Chatbrat]

Tag, you lose--don't push your luck if you're smaller

[coffeebean]

It is wise to avoid situations that you think are dangerous. Don't expect other people to care about your safety. Look out for yourself.

If you think it is dangerous to drive your golf cart in a certain place, then don't drive there. If you want to go there, then drive a safer vehicle, like a car.

Roads anywhere can be dangerous, so you will probably be safer in a larger vehicle. Don't bring a knife to a gunfight.

I agree with this advice. With hubby in the cart with me, I drove on Morse Blvd north of 466 to Spanish Springs from Mallory. That was a one and done. Not going to drive that route again in the golf cart. I prefer to drive the cart south of 466 which has wider cart paths and just seems safer all around.

[Chatbrat]

Ya gotta believe this one, we were making a left hand turn into our driveway, turn signal one heard screeching brakes a golf cart was trying to pass me on my drivers side--the driver said , (woman) "I'm sorry" I said ," don't be sorry, be smart"

Again, golf carts are not toys- hope she had insurance, otherwise --if she would have collided with the Admiral's car--the repair would have been @ least $10K

[DonH57]

The original two way MMP that runs along the east side of Morse from Hacienda Hills CC should have been designed to run the full length to the wooden bridge by the church so golf carts wouldn't have to merge and cross traffic. There is more than plenty of room. One thing I have seen is a lot of golf carts turning left off Morse at Hacienda CC instead of using the tunnel making traffic stop. The tunnel was placed there for a reason.

[Dorothy DuBois]

I witnessed a gray SUV yesterday (2/28/20) on Morse Blvd around 5:30 PM heading south near the 466 gate driving very aggressively. I observed a golf cart in front of me put their blinker on to cross Morse (southbound) to get to the median to cross the northbound traffic just north of the 466 gate. The golf cart was over 200 feet in the clear of this gray SUV. The gray SUV had to be going well over 50 MPH because the SUV closed the gap very quickly on the golf cart. The golf cart barely was in the median when the driver of the SUV pulled up on them (in the median) and almost rammed the golf cart and laid on the horn for about 5 seconds, then drove off at a quick pace. We don't need this type of behavior in The Villages people. Please remember this is a golf cart community and golf carts share some of the roads we drive on so lets try and be respectful and safe.

I was almost killed three days ago by an aggressive driver in a White SUV. I was on my home street of E Schwartz Blvd signaling for a left turn into my driveway. As I started to cross into my driveway, the Driver behind me sped up and passed me on my left. I became breathless, upset and anxious that I had cheated death.