Brodie (aka Suicide) Knobs

[Boffin]

These devices seem to be good for use in golf carts. Wonder why not many in The Villages use them.

[golfing eagles]

These devices seem to be good for use in golf carts. Wonder why not many in The Villages use them.

Because "many in The Villages" know how to turn a steering wheel?????

[Boffin]

Because "many in The Villages" know how to turn a steering wheel?????

So, they do not know how to use a Brodie?

[golfing eagles]

So, they do not know how to use a Brodie?

They don't need to know:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Mortal1]

Same reason many states outlawed them in cars. It allows the vehicle to turn quicker than the reflexes of the driver can respond. We call that common sense.

[Kenswing]

Suicide knobs are great for slow moving farm equipment. Not so much for golf carts.

[ex34449]

Grannie knobs attached to a steering wheel that isn't power assisted has broken and bruised many a thumb. They are handy like some grannies are but I prefer just the wheel.

[Boffin]

Same reason many states outlawed them in cars. It allows the vehicle to turn quicker than the reflexes of the driver can respond. We call that common sense.

Like I said, folks do not know how to use one.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Then why would you use it , if you don’t need it. Poster is right about why many stats ban them , you turn wheel faster then reflexes work . Why do you think you need one anyway

[Chi-Town]

You can't have a car with suicide doors without one.

[tophcfa]

These devices seem to be good for use in golf carts. Wonder why not many in The Villages use them.

Don’t need one, just use your knees.

[Boffin]

Then why would you use it , if you don’t need it. Poster is right about why many stats ban them , you turn wheel faster then reflexes work . Why do you think you need one anyway

1. If the user turns the wheel using a Brodie that quickly, then, as I said, the user does not know how to use a Brodie.
2. I do not think I need one since I already have one.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Why

[Boffin]

Why

Because I know how to use it.

[MrFlorida]

Short wheelbase, no need for it. Will only encourage more erratic driving.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I guess he wants to use it JUST BECAUSE, there seems to be no other reason !!!! I just hope it isn’t a trend , I have to be careful enough with carts going over the line especially late at night lol and not knowing how to use something that I don’t need to use and is also barred for safety reasons in most states speaks for itself

[Boffin]

Short wheelbase, no need for it. Will only encourage more erratic driving.

The short wheelbase and Brodie do not cause erratic driving. A driver driving that has a Brodie and does not know how to use it causes erratic driving.

[wereback]

The short wheelbase and Brodie do not cause erratic driving. A driver driving that has a Brodie and does not know how to use it causes erratic driving.

So why don't you teach us all how to use one.

[Topspinmo]

Because "many in The Villages" know how to turn a steering wheel?????


Really. You could of fooled me.

[Boffin]

Same reason many states outlawed them in cars. It allows the vehicle to turn quicker than the reflexes of the driver can respond. We call that common sense.

Florida
No rules against knobs in Florida’s vehicle code.
Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Index&Title_Request=XXIII#TitleXXIII)

[Boffin]

I guess he wants to use it JUST BECAUSE, there seems to be no other reason !!!! I just hope it isn’t a trend , I have to be careful enough with carts going over the line especially late at night lol and not knowing how to use something that I don’t need to use and is also barred for safety reasons in most states speaks for itself

Florida
No rules against knobs in Florida’s vehicle code.
Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Index&Title_Request=XXIII#TitleXXIII)

[Boffin]

So why don't you teach us all how to use one.

I do not think so.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

National safety’s consul I quote the knobs should’ve only be used only at parking speed or bumper to bumper speed at higher speeds you become disconnected to the feel of steering which can the lead to loss of control , I already like the rest of us knew that, we should stop giving this guy attention, go Red Sox 9/3 and guy you can have all the fun with your knob I’m all done here

[DaleDivine]

[QUOTE=charlieo1126@gmail.com;2018866]National safety’s consul I quote the knobs should’ve only be used only at parking speed or bumper to bumper speed at higher speeds you become disconnected to the feel of steering which can the lead to loss of control , I already like the rest of us knew that, we should stop giving this guy attention, go Red Sox 9/3 and guy you can have all the fun with your knob I’m all done here[/QUOTE

I have one on my cart and only use it when backing up to park or tight quarters...
:ho::popcorn:

[La lamy]

I found it weird at first when it was on a rental golf cart I used, but then I found it fun to use. :coolsmiley:

[Bay Kid]

These devices seem to be good for use in golf carts. Wonder why not many in The Villages use them.

I've had them on all my carts.

[Driller703]

Really. You could of fooled me.

I always thought that those knobs were used on vehicles such as farm equipment or trucks to aid in backing up. When the driver used to turn around in the seat and look out behind him while reversing, the knob allowed the driver to easily turn the wheel with the left hand. Without the knob, the wheel was difficult and awkward to turn in vehicles without power steering. I don’t think they were needed when driving forward.

[sdeikenberry]

I'm not the author but I had a steering wheel knob on my tractor up north and loved it. I now have one on my golf cart for some 7 years now, and it's much easier to drive with the knob. It may be what you're used to using that determines how you feel about it. I have no problems with it on my golf cart. I would not have one on my car which as power steering, as it's not necessary. Having it on my cart makes it easier to maneuver. I can see if someone isn't used to using a knob, they could be skeptical...but it's the old "walk a mile in my shoes before you tell me how to do it" phrase that fits this conversation. If you haven't tried it, don't be an expert!

[mikeym]

A good friend of mine up North said they used to call them "Neckin Knobs" back in the day.

[Quent]

Short wheelbase, no need for it. Will only encourage more erratic driving.

How so?

[Petersweeney]

The only reason I’m reading this is because I can’t watch the news anymore!

[kcrazorbackfan]

These devices seem to be good for use in golf carts. Wonder why not many in The Villages use them.

Those things are older than the line dancing fad. 🙄🙄

[JTLoehnert]

Have one on my cart. Love it.

[Sherrilee]

Never heard of Brodie ?? So I probably dont need it- doing fine driving!!!

[Nellmack]

Wow, lots of negativity on this thread over a pretty docile question.

My answer is: I don't know why they're not used but I'd like to try one to see if I like it. :)

[Boffin]

Wow, lots of negativity on this thread over a pretty docile question.

My answer is: I don't know why they're not used but I'd like to try one to see if I like it. :)

Welcome to the villages.

[Bogie Shooter]

Welcome to the villages.

No, TOTV. not everyone in the villages.

[Vermilion Villager]

Florida
No rules against knobs in Florida’s vehicle code.
Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Index&Title_Request=XXIII#TitleXXIII)

This may be true. However, you....and the operative word is...YOU are now introducing a device onto a steering wheel that controls a vehicle, and this device must be maintained according to Florida law.
If you get into an accident, you, and you alone will now be put in the position of defending your actions...including the proper maintenance of the Brody knob. If it can be determined to any degree the knob was cracked, the screws were loose, or it was not 100% correctly installed, it will be a "casual factor" in an accident claim. Any lawyer worth their salt will exploit this.
The question is even though you can....is it worth it????

[HORNET]

At the speed that you should be driving, why would you need one. In years past these knobs were outlawed because of their being unsafe

[DonnaNi4os]

Because "many in The Villages" know how to turn a steering wheel?????

Following multiple months of knee surgeries and immobilizations, I had hand controls installed on my car when I lived in NJ. Since the law says you should drive with two hands on the wheel the installation company also installed a “suicide knob”. It was easy enough to use but did take a bit of time to get used to using. I believe that it would be helpful for people with shoulder issues. However, golf carts have such a low center of gravity I see visions of people flipping their carts. Not sure that they would be a good idea for most people.

[Boffin]

This may be true. However, you....and the operative word is...YOU are now introducing a device onto a steering wheel that controls a vehicle, and this device must be maintained according to Florida law.
If you get into an accident, you, and you alone will now be put in the position of defending your actions...including the proper maintenance of the Brody knob. If it can be determined to any degree the knob was cracked, the screws were loose, or it was not 100% correctly installed, it will be a "casual factor" in an accident claim. Any lawyer worth their salt will exploit this.
The question is even though you can....is it worth it????

Was the device defective? Were instructions for maintenance included with the purchase of the Brody knob? Were installation instructions included with the device? You see, this has already been encountered in Florida as well as other states and the outcome is not exactly as clear cut as you describe. By the way, who is to say that improper maintenance of the vehicle was not the cause. Arguments and counter arguments abound. Given the level of risk of having an accident, each individual will have to figure out for themselves if it is worth it. For me, yes, it is worth it given the opposing likelihood of avoiding an accident due to having and knowing how to use and maintain a Brody knob.

[Neils]

Too hard to retrain my dog to steer with it

[Boffin]

At the speed that you should be driving, why would you need one. In years past these knobs were outlawed because of their being unsafe

Not outlawed in any state.

[wwdgd]

I have one. I use it for turns and find it very useful for tight turns as found on tunnel entrances and exits. It is also very good for parking. On the MMP or streets, I use the wheel as it provides better control. I purchased mine on Amazon for about $12.

[tbrod607]

Very useful after shoulder surgery. Otherwise can't drive at all. Try parking or tight maneuvers with one arm.

[frose]

that's what we need, excessive speed and steering.. one way to keep the hospitals busy

[MzLoreleiLee]

:popcorn:

:1rotfl:

This thread is pretty funny and strange overall. Just sayin'.

[jimmy o]

It’s America, use knob if you want. Some states outlawed them because they can be unsafe when used with power steering. Since all of today’s automobiles have power steering, the knob has become obsolete for automobiles. But can be helpful on golf carts without power steering.

[DAVES]

Same reason many states outlawed them in cars. It allows the vehicle to turn quicker than the reflexes of the driver can respond. We call that common sense.

I expect in a car first of all in a crash, your head can hit the knob. It might also effect the air bag. In days of old before cars had power steering, you had a far bigger steering wheel and it took far more turns of the steering wheel to turn the wheels-mechanical advantage.

[NavyNJ]

:popcorn:

:1rotfl:

This thread is pretty funny and strange overall. Just sayin'.

At first, I wasn't sure what the thread was about, cause I wasn't familiar with the term "Brodie" knob or suicide knob. We just called them steering wheel knobs. Anyway, back in the 60's, as kids, we'd all at one point or another go thru our dad's crap in the garage or the basement, you know......the boxes or foot lockers of WWII or Korean War stuff they brought back that we weren't supposed to mess with!! :icon_wink:

Well, one of the things we found that got us all cracking up was this "knob" that at first we couldn't figure out what to do with, until one of the older kids cracked the code and took it out to a car in the garage. Well, we all rolled on the floor as we took turns turning the steering wheel and watched the Pin-Up Girl "undress" as the knob went from 10 o'clock to 6 o'clock!!! LoL!!! What a hoot that was!! And I was the king of the block for a long while after that, and of course, had to stash it in my shop class locker at school and show all the guys there as well!! Never forget that damn thing!! Had a whole different perspective of my Dad from then on.......:icon_wink: