Village golf carts headline make ABC News today

[Topspinmo]

As usual speeding seems to be blamed. Never mentioned drunk driving, illegal maneuvering by carts or vehicles. IMO most of accidents was NOT caused by golf cart speeding, but that’s my opinion. Cause was from drivers mistakes or drunk IMO.

[Taltarzac725]

Golf cart accident survivors, families push for stricter safety regulation – WFTV (https://www.wftv.com/news/9investigates/special-report-golf-cart-crashes-airing-545pm-wednesday/OPQRFU3WYVC5NKJOJRAD7AAR4Q/)


Lots of golf carts here.

[MplsPete]

Shouldn't this be in the Non-Villages group, or maybe the Sports forum?

Jeff Sperbeck, NFL star John Elway'''s longtime agent, dies following golf cart incident - ABC News (https://abcnews.go.com/US/jeff-sperbeck-nfl-star-john-elways-longtime-agent/story?id=121320746)

John Elway's agent, dies following golf cart accident (in California.)

[Altavia]

Golf cart accident survivors, families push for stricter safety regulation – WFTV (https://www.wftv.com/news/9investigates/special-report-golf-cart-crashes-airing-545pm-wednesday/OPQRFU3WYVC5NKJOJRAD7AAR4Q/)


Lots of golf carts here.


Stay tuned, I'm afraid the worst is yet to come.

Seems many of the new 4-6 passenger carts now being sold are capable of 25-30+ mph.

We're seeing families (Middleton) in these miniVan like 6 (8 with rear facing seats) passenger carts full of kids.

They're so long they can't stay in lane for the blind tight turns.

It's a disaster waiting to happen at the high speeds on paths designed for 20 mph and number of passengers in the carts.

[HappyTraveler]

Shouldn't this be in the Non-Villages group, or maybe the Sports forum?

Jeff Sperbeck, NFL star John Elway'''s longtime agent, dies following golf cart incident - ABC News (https://abcnews.go.com/US/jeff-sperbeck-nfl-star-john-elways-longtime-agent/story?id=121320746)

John Elway's agent, dies following golf cart accident (in California.)
Sperbeck, 61 yrs old, fell out of the cart and banged his head on the asphalt.

It was after a party and Elway was driving. Seems to be at least appropriate to assume that seat belts weren't being worn.

[Ignatz]

Here we go…. An unfortunate minority of people are getting lawyers and tv involved creating an issue to mess up the responsible people of TV.

I’m all in favor of the local LEOs enforcing traffic rules for carts (especially speeding, dui, and such), but don’t wrap us in helmets and bubble wrap to protect us from our lifestyle.

[golfing eagles]

I saw that news on ABC. It was not targeting The Villages (for a change)

Correction: They put an extended version on this morning's news, with multiple clips from The Villages and an interview with a Sumter Co. deputy. They showed a trashed cart on Morse near De La Vista entrance----except----the cart was in the car lane. In typical media style, they dug up a sob story from a cart accident victim---in January 2020.

The main thrust of the segment was a push for mandatory seatbelts in golf carts----which is actually a pretty good idea. But unfortunately, the muckraking style of the media will probably lead to unforeseen consequences. At least the "more police, more tickets, more enforcement" crowd will be happy, because I'm pretty sure that will be in our future after this news story. So better be sure you never drive your cart at 20.1 mph----they might execute on the spot ala Judge Dread. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

PS: I'm STILL waiting to see all those golf carts going 40 mph like some on TOTV have claimed

[Bassdeer]

20mph is to slow,

Sperbeck, 61 yrs old, fell out of the cart and banged his head on the asphalt.
Dumb Ass

[gorillarick]

" Cause was from drivers mistakes or drunk IMO. "

mistakes ?
You mean driving negligently, and like a maniac?
You mean like I'm approaching a STOP sign and a golf cart going too fast, and making a left, cuts the corner into my lane?
You mean like I'm rounding a blind curve on the MVP and a golf cart is in the middle of the road?
You mean like a golf cart coming out of a tunnel to a tee, and doesn't STOP at the STOP sign?
And then there's just planning to run every stop sign. I've had golf carts skid to a stop halfway into my lane.

[gorillarick]

? Vehicles getting too big ?

Yeah, if a golf cart cannot be used on courses, then it is not a golf cart.

If 2 cannot be parked next to each other in one space, it is not a golf cart.

If it were a huge SUV of utility vehicles made for farm or off-road trails (like hunting), then it is not a golf cart.

I think this should be nipped in the bud.

[Topspinmo]

Sperbeck, 61 yrs old, fell out of the cart and banged his head on the asphalt.

It was after a party and Elway was driving. Seems to be at least appropriate to assume that seat belts weren't being worn.


And probably alcohol involved?

[Topspinmo]

" Cause was from drivers mistakes or drunk IMO. "

mistakes ?
You mean driving negligently, and like a maniac?
You mean like I'm approaching a STOP sign and a golf cart going too fast, and making a left, cuts the corner into my lane?
You mean like I'm rounding a blind curve on the MVP and a golf cart is in the middle of the road?
You mean like a golf cart coming out of a tunnel to a tee, and doesn't STOP at the STOP sign?
And then there's just planning to run every stop sign. I've had golf carts skid to a stop halfway into my lane.

Yes, and they probably drive their vehicles same.

[Taltarzac725]

I saw that news on ABC. It was not targeting The Villages (for a change)

Correction: They put an extended version on this morning's news, with multiple clips from The Villages and an interview with a Sumter Co. deputy. They showed a trashed cart on Morse near De La Vista entrance----except----the cart was in the car lane. In typical media style, they dug up a sob story from a cart accident victim---in January 2020.

The main thrust of the segment was a push for mandatory seatbelts in golf carts----which is actually a pretty good idea. But unfortunately, the muckraking style of the media will probably lead to unforeseen consequences. At least the "more police, more tickets, more enforcement" crowd will be happy, because I'm pretty sure that will be in our future after this news story. So better be sure you never drive your cart at 20.1 mph----they might execute on the spot ala Judge Dread. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

PS: I'm STILL waiting to see all those golf carts going 40 mph like some on TOTV have claimed

It happens but is rare. Only seen it once in Lynnhaven. Or near Lynnhaven. Probably about two years ago. It passed me while I was coming home with groceries.

[Bill14564]

It happens but is rare. Only seen it once in Lynnhaven. Or near Lynnhaven. Probably about two years ago. It passed me while I was coming home with groceries.

I looked for the news report yesterday and watched the wrong video. The one I saw was from 2021, was still about the Villages, featured the reporter riding in a cart in the traffic lane rather than the golf cart lane, and had a talking head mention that golf carts could now reach 40mph!

So the 40mph must have existed as far back as then.... I heard it on the TV.

[Nell57]

Darwin Award.

[jrref]

Regardless what anyone says, most golf carts are going 23-25 mph here in the Villages. Even at 20 mph, people don't realize you are going fast enough to sustain serious injury if anything happens. So, yes seat belts should be mandatory.

[Bill14564]

Regardless what anyone says, most golf carts are going 23-25 mph here in the Villages. Even at 20 mph, people don't realize you are going fast enough to sustain serious injury if anything happens. So, yes seat belts should be mandatory.

I really detest "mandatory." I understand the thought behind it but I just don't like the Govt forcing me to protect myself.

If I am not hurting someone, leave me alone.
If the answer is I am making choices that burden society then watch out, that's a very long, very slipper slope.

[Taltarzac725]

I really detest "mandatory." I understand the thought behind it but I just don't like the Govt forcing me to protect myself.

If I am not hurting someone, leave me alone.
If the answer is I am making choices that burden society then watch out, that's a very long, very slipper slope.

You would think that speed limits in the Villages would be mandatory but most cars and golf carts I see in the Villages are going well over it. I cannot see practically though how this could be stopped. They are going to keep speeding. Seatbelts would help but that would only be the choice of the person unless they make it mandatory.

[Bay Kid]

Cars, trucks, boats, people get killed everyday.

Carts be careful, enjoy the ride and the beauty of The Villages.

[tophcfa]

Not going to help keep insurance premiums reasonable.

[alwann]

Stay tuned, I'm afraid the worst is yet to come.

Seems many of the new 4-6 passenger carts now being sold are capable of 25-30+ mph.

We're seeing families (Middleton) in these miniVan like 6 (8 with rear facing seats) passenger carts full of kids.

They're so long they can't stay in lane for the blind tight turns.

It's a disaster waiting to happen at the high speeds on paths designed for 20 mph and number of passengers in the carts.

Are those "buses" permitted on the golf courses? I seen some 4-forward models out there and wondered how they affect the turf.

[wisbad1]

It happens but is rare. Only seen it once in Lynnhaven. Or near Lynnhaven. Probably about two years ago. It passed me while I was coming home with groceries.
The Villages use them to haul potential customers around. Seen them with six clowns inside.

[tophcfa]

Sperbeck, 61 yrs old, fell out of the cart and banged his head on the asphalt.

It was after a party and Elway was driving. Seems to be at least appropriate to assume that seat belts weren't being worn.

The article indicates he fell out of the back of the cart, seemingly implying it was a rear facing four seater. It’s no wonder insurance companies are refusing to write policies on those things.

[shut the front door]

I saw that news on ABC. It was not targeting The Villages (for a change)

Correction: They put an extended version on this morning's news, with multiple clips from The Villages and an interview with a Sumter Co. deputy. They showed a trashed cart on Morse near De La Vista entrance----except----the cart was in the car lane. In typical media style, they dug up a sob story from a cart accident victim---in January 2020.

The main thrust of the segment was a push for mandatory seatbelts in golf carts----which is actually a pretty good idea. But unfortunately, the muckraking style of the media will probably lead to unforeseen consequences. At least the "more police, more tickets, more enforcement" crowd will be happy, because I'm pretty sure that will be in our future after this news story. So better be sure you never drive your cart at 20.1 mph----they might execute on the spot ala Judge Dread. :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

PS: I'm STILL waiting to see all those golf carts going 40 mph like some on TOTV have claimed

You'll be waiting a long time. I think the imaginary radar gun needs to be recalibrated.

[golfing eagles]

You'll be waiting a long time. I think the imaginary radar gun needs to be recalibrated.

Sure does. Yet the assertion by some that carts are going 40+ keeps resurfacing on all related threads. Yep, I agree with you that it will be a long wait until it really happens

[jrref]

I really detest "mandatory." I understand the thought behind it but I just don't like the Govt forcing me to protect myself.

If I am not hurting someone, leave me alone.
If the answer is I am making choices that burden society then watch out, that's a very long, very slipper slope.

Right, but look at it this way. You don't wear seatbelts, you fall out of the cart, you don't care what happens to you but you may cause an accident with another cart when your body falls in front of their front wheels potentially making them fall out of their cart or hit a tree. :shocked:

[Bill14564]

Right, but look at it this way. You don't wear seatbelts, you fall out of the cart, you don't care what happens to you but you may cause an accident with another cart when your body falls in front of their front wheels potentially making them fall out of their cart or hit a tree. :shocked:

The next time that happens will be the first time and I still will not be any condition to care that someone was following too close.

[mrf6969]

The article indicates he fell out of the back of the cart, seemingly implying it was a rear facing four seater. It’s no wonder insurance companies are refusing to write policies on those things.

Exactly, anyone with a "rear facing" 4-seat golf cart has to be VERY careful when taking a turn. What happens is that one of the front tires will come off the ground on the turn and the cart will lean. Doing this too fast and the golf cart can turn over, especially if you have adults(weight) on the back of the cart. Careful out there people!!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Here we go…. An unfortunate minority of people are getting lawyers and tv involved creating an issue to mess up the responsible people of TV.

I’m all in favor of the local LEOs enforcing traffic rules for carts (especially speeding, dui, and such), but don’t wrap us in helmets and bubble wrap to protect us from our lifestyle.

Don't need helmets and bubble wrap, but seat-belts should be standard issue with all golf carts, new and used, sold by licensed dealers. If the dealer didn't get the used cart with seatbelts, they should be required to install them before re-selling the cart.

This way - insurance companies can say "well he wasn't wearing his seat belt, which was available for him to use. So we won't be covering his injuries, or any damage to his cart or anyone else's property that occurred immediately following his ejection from his seat."

Make the driver who chose not to use seatbelts be 100% responsible for all damages. And if a minor child falls out and gets killed, charge the driver with negligence of a minor, and vehicular homicide.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I really detest "mandatory." I understand the thought behind it but I just don't like the Govt forcing me to protect myself.

If I am not hurting someone, leave me alone.
If the answer is I am making choices that burden society then watch out, that's a very long, very slipper slope.

If you are ejected from your vehicle, and you cause damage to someone's property when you land on it, then you are hurting someone.
If you're killed because you weren't wearing your seatbelt, the person whose vehicle you crashed into will have to spend the rest of their lives knowing that the "other guy" is dead. That's hurting someone.
If you are ejected from your vehicle and die because of it, your family will all have to spend the rest of THEIR lives knowing that you died because you felt it was more important to be a "right-fighter" than a living person. That's hurting someone.

If you are a passenger who chooses not to wear a seatbelt, and the driver chooses to drive with you anyway, then when you are injured because of an accident, or because you fell out on a turn - they will know that THEY are responsible for choosing to let you sit in the passenger seat without a seatbelt. That's hurting someone.

Now, if you are driving, you fall out and land on the side of the road, and the cart comes to a complete stop on the side of the road without causing damage or injury to anyone else, and traffic is able to move as usual, then sure. Enjoy your shortened life exercising your right to not wear a seatbelt. No harm, no foul, thoughts and prayers.

Meanwhile, I'll wear my seatbelt and encourage all my passengers to do the same. I -require- my sister to wear hers when she's a passenger in my cart, and let other passengers who choose not to, know that if they fall out they're on their own.

I'm for a requirement. And maybe it's not even enforceable. But if you hit my cart, and I fall out and break many bones instead of simply staying put and maybe banging my boobs on the steering wheel, you should HOPE that I can't come after YOU to pay the medical bills. But since seatbelts are optional - you're outta luck. The law is now on my side. It shouldn't be, but it is.

[Topspinmo]

I looked for the news report yesterday and watched the wrong video. The one I saw was from 2021, was still about the Villages, featured the reporter riding in a cart in the traffic lane rather than the golf cart lane, and had a talking head mention that golf carts could now reach 40mph!

So the 40mph must have existed as far back as then.... I heard it on the TV.


If governor taken out the gas lawnmower engine will rev up to the amount of air it can pull in thus eventually reaching top speed around 38 MPH depending on gearing and tire size. The carts you see going obnoxiously fast have the governor tied off so it don’t govern. Most every time golf clubs are hanging off back.

[thelegges]

The article indicates he fell out of the back of the cart, seemingly implying it was a rear facing four seater. It’s no wonder insurance companies are refusing to write policies on those things.

It’s been posted before about rear facing insurance. We received a letter from our State Farm agent that coverage for rear facing golf carts would no longer be offered. Don’t remember if it was just new policies.
It’s been awhile and we didn’t own or ever wanted one so I threw it away. Our friends sold their rear facing for all forward after their letter.

[talonip]

As usual speeding seems to be blamed. Never mentioned drunk driving, illegal maneuvering by carts or vehicles. IMO most of accidents was NOT caused by golf cart speeding, but that’s my opinion. Cause was from drivers mistakes or drunk IMO.

So speeding is ok. Ok I get it. We have a serious speeding problem in carts and cars. I would say average speeds on meggison south of 44 is 45 to 55. Guess that’s ok too.

[golfing eagles]

If governor taken out the gas lawnmower engine will rev up to the amount of air it can pull in thus eventually reaching top speed around 38 MPH depending on gearing and tire size. The carts you see going obnoxiously fast have the governor tied off so it don’t govern. Most every time golf clubs are hanging off back.

Please explain your non-sequitur: What does altering the governor on a cart have to do with golf clubs on the back???? Is there a wire attaching the governor to the 7 iron??? Does the faster cart require counterbalance weight on the back??? I'll accept any reasonable explanation; if the premise is that only golfers "speed", that would fall into the unreasonable category.

[MandoMan]

" Cause was from drivers mistakes or drunk IMO. "

mistakes ?
You mean driving negligently, and like a maniac?
You mean like I'm approaching a STOP sign and a golf cart going too fast, and making a left, cuts the corner into my lane?
You mean like I'm rounding a blind curve on the MVP and a golf cart is in the middle of the road?
You mean like a golf cart coming out of a tunnel to a tee, and doesn't STOP at the STOP sign?
And then there's just planning to run every stop sign. I've had golf carts skid to a stop halfway into my lane.

True. Did you see the news about the woman here driving straight was charged with hit and run when another woman driving a golf cart and wanting to make a right turn drifted slightly to the left before turning right? The collision, a glancing blow, was between the left front of the golf cart and the right rear of the SUV. I believe the cart driver then swerved right and flipped. The SUV driver kept going.

I have no problem believing that a focused older person in an SUV could collide with a golf cart that way without realizing it. The feeling in the SUV would have been like a light tap or brushing, like a little branch, but the serious damage happened because of the cart driver’s swerving response, after the SUV passed. A lot of drivers don’t check their rear view mirrors very often. No wonder if she didn’t see what happened or notice the scratch on her car. The slight drift left before a right turn is common with both cars and carts. I think the cart driver will get off, but it will cost her a lot of money going to the lawyer.

[golfing eagles]

As usual speeding seems to be blamed. Never mentioned drunk driving, illegal maneuvering by carts or vehicles. IMO most of accidents was NOT caused by golf cart speeding, but that’s my opinion. Cause was from drivers mistakes or drunk IMO.

So speeding is ok. Ok I get it. We have a serious speeding problem in carts and cars. I would say average speeds on meggison south of 44 is 45 to 55. Guess that’s ok too.

Top is correct, and according to both law enforcement and insurance industry studies, the top causes of accidents, in order, are:

1) distracted driving
2) impaired driving
3) slow drivers
4) speeders

So, if we have a "serious" problem, it is statistically far more likely to be caused by distracted/drunk/slow drivers than so-called "speeders".

As far as Meggison (between 44 and Southern Oaks), as well as Morse south of 466, BV, El Camino and any other 4 lane divided boulevard with no intersections and only RBs, almost no one is going the limit of 35. Why is that? Because on those roads or segments thereof, 35 is ridiculous. The roads are divided, fairly wide, no intersection. Traffic has to slow down for the RBs anyway, which act like defacto speed bumps. The only reason I can see for the limit there to be 35 is to allow those idiotic death trap street legal golf carts to use them. 45 would be far mor acceptable and more people would obey the speed limit. Think of the speed limit of 45 on 466 east of BV, or 466A----2 lanes, divided, and those roads HAVE intersections and parking lot entrances. So which speed limit makes more sense?????

[RatattacK79]

Exactly… California made it mandatory helmet law for motorcycle riders and totally ruined the freedom of the ride.

[Indydealmaker]

A little law enforcement at the Dealers would go a long way.

[Rocksnap]

Golf cart accident survivors, families push for stricter safety regulation – WFTV (https://www.wftv.com/news/9investigates/special-report-golf-cart-crashes-airing-545pm-wednesday/OPQRFU3WYVC5NKJOJRAD7AAR4Q/)


Lots of golf carts here.

Ban golf carts! Save us!

[USOTR]

From the article

"With the rise in popularity, some carts are getting juiced up to reach higher speeds. That’s despite Florida law stating golf carts should not exceed 20 mph. If they do, they’re no longer a golf cart, but a vehicle that must have a registration."

I hope they start enforcing this speed limit.

[golfing eagles]

From the article

"With the rise in popularity, some carts are getting juiced up to reach higher speeds. That’s despite Florida law stating golf carts should not exceed 20 mph. If they do, they’re no longer a golf cart, but a vehicle that must have a registration."

I hope they start enforcing this speed limit.

Yes, by all means. Let's get all those golf carts going 20.1 mph off the roads. OMG, the sky is falling, the sky is falling.

Now explain "the law" that you are so anxious to enforce:

My cart is set to 20, so I don't have a dog in this fight, per se. However, as it is equipped and insured, all I have to do to make it street legal and permitted to go 25 is to PAY A FEE. Same cart, no other changes.
So is the "reason" carts are restricted to 20, but "street legal" carts to 25 a safety issue, or a revenue issue? The answer is quite clear when exactly the same cart only needs a registration fee to legally go 25.

[rsmurano]

Most of the issues caused by golf cart anccidents are because of SLOW golf cart drivers. This also is the reason for a lot of car accidents. When you get a golf cart driver going 15 mph on the straight or single digits around the curves, normal people are going to want to pass.

If you have somebody right behind you that wants to go the speed limit or faster than you, pull over and let them pass, it only takes a few seconds. Same goes for driving a car, you get slow people in the left lane that go just as slow or slower than people in the right lane and you wonder why people are on your tail/flashing brights/honking at you, move over because the people behind you are going to take chances to pass you.

I also don’t want to hear people say slow down, we are retired, no need to rush, blah blah blah. A lot of us are busy, have appointments for drs/dentists/PB/tennis/golf/whatever and need to be somewhere at a specific time and most of us don’t want to leave an hour in advance to go somewhere that should only take you 20 mins to get there.

[golfing eagles]

Most of the issues caused by golf cart anccidents are because of SLOW golf cart drivers. This also is the reason for a lot of car accidents. When you get a golf cart driver going 15 mph on the straight or single digits around the curves, normal people are going to want to pass.

If you have somebody right behind you that wants to go the speed limit or faster than you, pull over and let them pass, it only takes a few seconds. Same goes for driving a car, you get slow people in the left lane that go just as slow or slower than people in the right lane and you wonder why people are on your tail/flashing brights/honking at you, move over because the people behind you are going to take chances to pass you.

I also don’t want to hear people say slow down, we are retired, no need to rush, blah blah blah. A lot of us are busy, have appointments for drs/dentists/PB/tennis/golf/whatever and need to be somewhere at a specific time and most of us don’t want to leave an hour in advance to go somewhere that should only take you 20 mins to get there.

Truly well said!!!!:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause:

Of course, now you need to duck those on the other side of the issue:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Switter]

Exactly, anyone with a "rear facing" 4-seat golf cart has to be VERY careful when taking a turn. What happens is that one of the front tires will come off the ground on the turn and the cart will lean. Doing this too fast and the golf cart can turn over, especially if you have adults(weight) on the back of the cart. Careful out there people!!

I saw someone in a four seater (front facing) wedge his roof in a tunnel, lol. The turn was too tight for him entering the tunnel

[maggie1]

Here we go…. An unfortunate minority of people are getting lawyers and tv involved creating an issue to mess up the responsible people of TV.

I’m all in favor of the local LEOs enforcing traffic rules for carts (especially speeding, dui, and such), but don’t wrap us in helmets and bubble wrap to protect us from our lifestyle.

Safety belts wouldn't be a bad item to have, as long as people use them.

[golfing eagles]

I saw someone in a four seater (front facing) wedge his roof in a tunnel, lol. The turn was too tight for him entering the tunnel

The turn was too tight, or was his driving skills abysmal?

[SHIBUMI]

Sounds like we need to increase the Civilians on Patrol for Speeders program. Who would have thunk it. Seat belts cause speeding by their research.:police:

As usual speeding seems to be blamed. Never mentioned drunk driving, illegal maneuvering by carts or vehicles. IMO most of accidents was NOT caused by golf cart speeding, but that’s my opinion. Cause was from drivers mistakes or drunk IMO.

[Switter]

Most of the issues caused by golf cart anccidents are because of SLOW golf cart drivers. This also is the reason for a lot of car accidents. When you get a golf cart driver going 15 mph on the straight or single digits around the curves, normal people are going to want to pass.

If you have somebody right behind you that wants to go the speed limit or faster than you, pull over and let them pass, it only takes a few seconds. Same goes for driving a car, you get slow people in the left lane that go just as slow or slower than people in the right lane and you wonder why people are on your tail/flashing brights/honking at you, move over because the people behind you are going to take chances to pass you.

I also don’t want to hear people say slow down, we are retired, no need to rush, blah blah blah. A lot of us are busy, have appointments for drs/dentists/PB/tennis/golf/whatever and need to be somewhere at a specific time and most of us don’t want to leave an hour in advance to go somewhere that should only take you 20 mins to get there.

So you're blaming a slow driver for an accident because someone who is in a hurry tries to perform a maneuver, like passing on a blind corner, and it's the slow drivers fault? I would bet that 9 times out of 10 if there is an accident involving a slow driver the person trying to go around the slow driver is responsible for it. I've had numerous incidents of people passing me on blind corners when riding my bike on the paths. In fact, it happens to me almost every time I go out.

You have to remember that there are a lot of pedestrians, like bikers and walkers, on the multi modal paths. They're more like a glorified sidewalk than they are a road. If you don't wanna leave an hour early or if you are in a hurry, take your car.

[Villagesgal]

Don't know what you were watching, but it said lack of requiring seat belts and other safety fearures in golf carts, especially since many are illegally adjusted for higher speeds was the problem. Not just illegal speed alone.

[RickyLee]

WOW, this article has shure brought us together!
����������������� ��

[golfing eagles]

So you're blaming a slow driver for an accident because someone who is in a hurry tries to perform a maneuver, like passing on a blind corner, and it's the slow drivers fault? I would bet that 9 times out of 10 if there is an accident involving a slow driver the person trying to go around the slow driver is responsible for it. I've had numerous incidents of people passing me on blind corners when riding my bike on the paths. In fact, it happens to me almost every time I go out.

You have to remember that there are a lot of pedestrians, like bikers and walkers, on the multi modal paths. They're more like a glorified sidewalk than they are a road. If you don't wanna leave an hour early or if you are in a hurry, take your car.

Sorry, but I agree with the poster you are responding to, and yes, IT IS THE SLOW DRIVER"S FAULT. Yes, the immediate causal factor might be a stupid move by an impatient driver, but the ROOT CAUSE is the slow driver. If these slugs weren't crawling along, that impatient driver would not be making a stupid move in the first place.

I am not advocating for speeding, and I am not advocating for stupid maneuvers. I am advocating for a modicum of driving skills, which includes the ability to drive faster than 12 mph. Those that cannot keep up with cart traffic on a MMP should pull over and let the 17 carts piled up behind them pass. Those that tool along at 12 but then speed up to 20+ when someone tries to pass should just be shot on the spot. BTW, in case those people don't know it, Florida law prohibits a vehicle that is being overtaken from speeding up to prevent it. This applies to cars and carts. Your responsibility when getting passed is simply to maintain the same speed you were going until you have been completely passed. Then it is OK for you to wake up.

[Bay Kid]

Took a friend down south yesterday to see the new areas. We were cruising at 18 mph. I pulled off the road several times to let many pass. Picked the speed up to 20 and I still got passed. Everybody is in such a hurry.

[shut the front door]

Sorry, but I agree with the poster you are responding to, and yes, IT IS THE SLOW DRIVER"S FAULT. Yes, the immediate causal factor might be a stupid move by an impatient driver, but the ROOT CAUSE is the slow driver. If these slugs weren't crawling along, that impatient driver would not be making a stupid move in the first place.

I am not advocating for speeding, and I am not advocating for stupid maneuvers. I am advocating for a modicum of driving skills, which includes the ability to drive faster than 12 mph. Those that cannot keep up with cart traffic on a MMP should pull over and let the 17 carts piled up behind them pass. Those that tool along at 12 but then speed up to 20+ when someone tries to pass should just be shot on the spot. BTW, in case those people don't know it, Florida law prohibits a vehicle that is being overtaken from speeding up to prevent it. This applies to cars and carts. Your responsibility when getting passed is simply to maintain the same speed you were going until you have been completely passed. Then it is OK for you to wake up.

Golfing Eagles, I've always agreed with you on this subject and I will add that I actually chuckle and think of you when I'm driving on 466. I drive a 40ft motor home down 466 frequently and unfortunately I'm constantly passing people who are only capable of driving 35 in a 45. In the left lane, of course.

[FFlank]

Sorry, but I agree with the poster you are responding to, and yes, IT IS THE SLOW DRIVER"S FAULT. Yes, the immediate causal factor might be a stupid move by an impatient driver, but the ROOT CAUSE is the slow driver. If these slugs weren't crawling along, that impatient driver would not be making a stupid move in the first place.

I am not advocating for speeding, and I am not advocating for stupid maneuvers. I am advocating for a modicum of driving skills, which includes the ability to drive faster than 12 mph. Those that cannot keep up with cart traffic on a MMP should pull over and let the 17 carts piled up behind them pass. Those that tool along at 12 but then speed up to 20+ when someone tries to pass should just be shot on the spot. BTW, in case those people don't know it, Florida law prohibits a vehicle that is being overtaken from speeding up to prevent it. This applies to cars and carts. Your responsibility when getting passed is simply to maintain the same speed you were going until you have been completely passed. Then it is OK for you to wake up.

Making this argument in court would be both the “root cause” AND the “immediate causal factor” of a judge’s hysterical laughter 😂

[golfing eagles]

Making this argument in court would be both the “root cause” AND the “immediate causal factor” of a judge’s hysterical laughter 😂

Sorry you think so, your honor :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Taltarzac725]

The problem in TV is that there are far too many here with a room temperature IQ.................

I do not know if the smartest would want to go faster or slower.

[Latoo]

The paths are an amenity. Should be signs RESIDENTS ONLY!. Golf cart renters should be residents or guests. People renting carts do not understand how the paths work and think it is a game. Where are the going. The path pretty much only go to amenities.

[Latoo]

Paths are an amenity and should be of limits to visitors. Carts should only be rented to residents or approved guests. The day visitors do not understand the how things work. Where are the going. The paths pretty much only go to amenities.

[cgrani]

The golf carts used for lifestyle visits do not have seat belts. These are drivers who are not used to the rules of TV and have probably not driven a cart other than on a golf course.

[Bill14564]

Paths are an amenity and should be of limits to visitors. Carts should only be rented to residents or approved guests. The day visitors do not understand the how things work. Where are the going. The paths pretty much only go to amenities.

The paths are infrastructure paid for by the bonds and maintained with annual maintenance funds.

The paths pretty much go EVERYWHERE in the Villages including neighborhoods, squares, fire stations, district offices, and retail areas.

[Topspinmo]

Florida explains what is a road and how to navigate them. If may not be same where ever you came from. If specifically gives instructions on how to walk down road and what is considered road.

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

When walking on roadway which MMP is road when you look up definition of road. Particularly (4).

[url]http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.130.html (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0334/Sections/0334.03.html#:~:text=(22)%20“Road”%20means,str eet%2C%20highway%2C%20or%20alley)

[KAM+6]

I look at how many are wearing seat belts and very few have seat belts on.

[pedwards2932]

Sorry, but I agree with the poster you are responding to, and yes, IT IS THE SLOW DRIVER"S FAULT. Yes, the immediate causal factor might be a stupid move by an impatient driver, but the ROOT CAUSE is the slow driver. If these slugs weren't crawling along, that impatient driver would not be making a stupid move in the first place.

I am not advocating for speeding, and I am not advocating for stupid maneuvers. I am advocating for a modicum of driving skills, which includes the ability to drive faster than 12 mph. Those that cannot keep up with cart traffic on a MMP should pull over and let the 17 carts piled up behind them pass. Those that tool along at 12 but then speed up to 20+ when someone tries to pass should just be shot on the spot. BTW, in case those people don't know it, Florida law prohibits a vehicle that is being overtaken from speeding up to prevent it. This applies to cars and carts. Your responsibility when getting passed is simply to maintain the same speed you were going until you have been completely passed. Then it is OK for you to wake up.

I'd like to think this was just sarcasm but it clearly something much more insidious.

[Topspinmo]

The paths are an amenity. Should be signs RESIDENTS ONLY!. Golf cart renters should be residents or guests. People renting carts do not understand how the paths work and think it is a game. Where are the going. The path pretty much only go to amenities.

Still considered road even though private with no restrictions to public.

[pedwards2932]

Sorry, but I agree with the poster you are responding to, and yes, IT IS THE SLOW DRIVER"S FAULT. Yes, the immediate causal factor might be a stupid move by an impatient driver, but the ROOT CAUSE is the slow driver. If these slugs weren't crawling along, that impatient driver would not be making a stupid move in the first place.

I am not advocating for speeding, and I am not advocating for stupid maneuvers. I am advocating for a modicum of driving skills, which includes the ability to drive faster than 12 mph. Those that cannot keep up with cart traffic on a MMP should pull over and let the 17 carts piled up behind them pass. Those that tool along at 12 but then speed up to 20+ when someone tries to pass should just be shot on the spot. BTW, in case those people don't know it, Florida law prohibits a vehicle that is being overtaken from speeding up to prevent it. This applies to cars and carts. Your responsibility when getting passed is simply to maintain the same speed you were going until you have been completely passed. Then it is OK for you to wake up.

There are hills on the MMP that can cause some carts to slow down a little. It is not always safe to pull over especially on blind turns. Carts are supposed to be governed to no more than 20 mph. However, while we are going the speed limit we are seeing speeding carts going way beyond that. You don't belong in a retirement community if you feel like people should be shot on the spot. There are concerns when bikes and pedestrians aren't paying attention to carts that are meeting from opposite directions.

[jimbomaybe]

I really detest "mandatory." I understand the thought behind it but I just don't like the Govt forcing me to protect myself.

If I am not hurting someone, leave me alone.
If the answer is I am making choices that burden society then watch out, that's a very long, very slipper slope.
I try to do my best to maintain my health, a healthy life style and perhaps some would say somewhat severe. I don't think that is reflected in my INS rates , the argument can be made that has me subsidizing people with a more relaxed attitude regarding their health. just as not wearing a seat belt increases your likelihood of being more seriously inured in an accident. I see you point but the way we live our lives will effect others, unless we get to the point that smoking, drinking over eating raises your medical INS, just as demonstrated negligent drivers who collect tickets and higher auto INS rates

[kkingston57]

Don't need helmets and bubble wrap, but seat-belts should be standard issue with all golf carts, new and used, sold by licensed dealers. If the dealer didn't get the used cart with seatbelts, they should be required to install them before re-selling the cart.

This way - insurance companies can say "well he wasn't wearing his seat belt, which was available for him to use. So we won't be covering his injuries, or any damage to his cart or anyone else's property that occurred immediately following his ejection from his seat."

Make the driver who chose not to use seatbelts be 100% responsible for all damages. And if a minor child falls out and gets killed, charge the driver with negligence of a minor, and vehicular homicide.

Was in the insurance biz. Creating a huge can of worms. We are talking about golf carts which were designed to be driven on golf courses and easy access. Even if you are wearing seat belt in a car, insurance company can not deny coverage. Your claim can and possibly be reduced if you were not using the seat belt.

Modifications made after cart is delivered to the dealer are the modifications which cause the problems

[kkingston57]

Exactly… California made it mandatory helmet law for motorcycle riders and totally ruined the freedom of the ride.

Do not ride motorcycles but do snow ski. Started using a helmet while skiing 15 years ago. Agree helmet is lighter than a motorcycle helmet but me nor 99% of the other skiers did not lose any freedom. In fact we do not even feel it.

[kkingston57]

Making this argument in court would be both the “root cause” AND the “immediate causal factor” of a judge’s hysterical laughter 😂

Had the same thought unless there is a posted TOO low speed sign. Been living here for 5 years. Have only seen 1 person going way less than 20MPH. Annoying but who cares. Took me 1 minute longer

[kkingston57]

The golf carts used for lifestyle visits do not have seat belts. These are drivers who are not used to the rules of TV and have probably not driven a cart other than on a golf course.

They still are golf carts. Not MMP Carts or TV only golf carts. Yamaha and others build golf carts.

[tophcfa]

Exactly… California made it mandatory helmet law for motorcycle riders and totally ruined the freedom of the ride.

People on a long waiting list for a vital life saving organ are big fans of the states that don’t have a mandatory helmet law.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

just got down here for a week and everything is normal:

saw a car driving the wrong way down Powell, after coming out of Walgreens, across from Home Depot.

its the car / golf cart's fault, always, the driver, never responsible until the court declares the driver responsible.

[golfing eagles]

There are hills on the MMP that can cause some carts to slow down a little. It is not always safe to pull over especially on blind turns. Carts are supposed to be governed to no more than 20 mph. However, while we are going the speed limit we are seeing speeding carts going way beyond that. You don't belong in a retirement community if you feel like people should be shot on the spot. There are concerns when bikes and pedestrians aren't paying attention to carts that are meeting from opposite directions.

So you took the "shot on the spot" comment seriously and not hyperbole?????? Hmmmm

[Taltarzac725]

I recall going to the movie Watchmen with a neighbor who drove his golf cart a little too fast for me. I would be sliding around when he took the corners too quickly. Let us just say that was the first and only time I went to the movies with him. Fun guy though. His wife does not care for many of the films he goes to. I would sometimes see him in the same theater I was in like with Mission Impossible , James Bond, or similar flicks. Sometimes I would go with my mother, brother(s) sister -in-law, nieces, nephew, etc.

[darkim]

Regardless what anyone says, most golf carts are going 23-25 mph here in the Villages. Even at 20 mph, people don't realize you are going fast enough to sustain serious injury if anything happens. So, yes seat belts should be mandatory.

Would seat belts be required while golfing also?

[Topspinmo]

Please explain your non-sequitur: What does altering the governor on a cart have to do with golf clubs on the back???? Is there a wire attaching the governor to the 7 iron??? Does the faster cart require counterbalance weight on the back??? I'll accept any reasonable explanation; if the premise is that only golfers "speed", that would fall into the unreasonable category.

Yep you knew that.:bowdown:

From my observations it’s mostly golfers that Jack the governor out so they can speed to next tee times. So if shoe fits…….:beer3:

[Topspinmo]

So speeding is ok. Ok I get it. We have a serious speeding problem in carts and cars. I would say average speeds on meggison south of 44 is 45 to 55. Guess that’s ok too.

First I never said it was OK, you assumed that. What said majority accidents (not all) speed had nothing to do with. It’s unattended drivers causing accidents.

Speeding must be in villages cause at least 80% IMO does it. Go the speed limit down any road and get passed or tail gated. I don’t travel in far south but B/V and Morse Blvd seems to be same as you’re Meggison which I guessing speed limit as 35 MPH?

[Rodneysblue]

As usual speeding seems to be blamed. Never mentioned drunk driving, illegal maneuvering by carts or vehicles. IMO most of accidents was NOT caused by golf cart speeding, but that’s my opinion. Cause was from drivers mistakes or drunk IMO.
Stop signs are just a suggestion right?

[TimmyB]

Agree, changes to cart size can’t come soon enough.

[golfing eagles]

Stop signs are just a suggestion right?

They are for cyclists

[golfing eagles]

Yep you knew that.:bowdown:

From my observations it’s mostly golfers that Jack the governor out so they can speed to next tee times. So if shoe fits…….:beer3:

From my observations that is a complete falsehood. But if you have some meaningful statistical proof..........

[tophcfa]

Most of the issues caused by golf cart anccidents are because of SLOW golf cart drivers. This also is the reason for a lot of car accidents. When you get a golf cart driver going 15 mph on the straight or single digits around the curves, normal people are going to want to pass.

If you have somebody right behind you that wants to go the speed limit or faster than you, pull over and let them pass, it only takes a few seconds. Same goes for driving a car, you get slow people in the left lane that go just as slow or slower than people in the right lane and you wonder why people are on your tail/flashing brights/honking at you, move over because the people behind you are going to take chances to pass you.

I also don’t want to hear people say slow down, we are retired, no need to rush, blah blah blah. A lot of us are busy, have appointments for drs/dentists/PB/tennis/golf/whatever and need to be somewhere at a specific time and most of us don’t want to leave an hour in advance to go somewhere that should only take you 20 mins to get there.

Bingo. Our carts are governed to max out between 20-21 MPH. Every once in a while somebody with a juiced up cart blows by us, but no big deal, I just waive them by. The much bigger, and much more frequent problem, are those that insist on driving way slower than the speed limit with no regard for the line of carts stuck behind them. Just because they have time to waste doesn’t mean the frustrated folks behind them do. And to make the situation worse, some of these folks suddenly discover where the accelerator pedal is when someone attempts to pass them. One very simple thing I have learned over the years is that I never get slowed down by someone behind me : )

[jimbomaybe]

Had the same thought unless there is a posted TOO low speed sign. Been living here for 5 years. Have only seen 1 person going way less than 20MPH. Annoying but who cares. Took me 1 minute longer
"Get out of my way! I'm in a hurry ! " sounds like a safety conscious mindset

[golfing eagles]

Had the same thought unless there is a posted TOO low speed sign. Been living here for 5 years. Have only seen 1 person going way less than 20MPH. Annoying but who cares. Took me 1 minute longer

Perhaps you are on different MMPs, a different community, or are one of those going 12 mph so it looks like no one is going "too slow". I seem to encounter one of those slugs just about every time I take my cart out (which has 28,000 miles on it). And my cart is NOT set faster than 20.

[Happydaz]

They are for cyclists

They are for cars and golf carts right? You can’t blame golf cart accidents on bicyclists, they have nothing to do with the subject being discussed. Golf cart accidents are due to the inherent instability of the vehicle itself and also the occasional poor driving dynamics that golf carts engender. Let’s face it, golf carts are made to be driven at 13 mph on golf courses not at 20-25 mph on streets and through tunnels. Golf cart accidents in The Villages are frequent and at times, deadly.

[Bill14564]

They are for cars and golf carts right? You can’t blame golf cart accidents on bicyclists, they have nothing to do with the subject being discussed. Golf cart accidents are due to the inherent instability of the vehicle itself and also the occasional poor driving dynamics that golf carts engender. Let’s face it, golf carts are made to be driven at 13 mph on golf courses not at 20-25 mph on streets and through tunnels. Golf cart accidents in The Villages are frequent and at times, deadly.

Who determines that golf carts are unstable or are made to be driven 13 mph on golf courses? Sure, many are but I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that in the Villages more miles are driven OFF the courses.

[golfing eagles]

They are for cars and golf carts right? You can’t blame golf cart accidents on bicyclists, they have nothing to do with the subject being discussed. Golf cart accidents are due to the inherent instability of the vehicle itself and also the occasional poor driving dynamics that golf carts engender. Let’s face it, golf carts are made to be driven at 13 mph on golf courses not at 20-25 mph on streets and through tunnels. Golf cart accidents in The Villages are frequent and at times, deadly.

So, you've never had a near miss when a cyclist blows through a stop sign???? Or worse yet, when they go around a gate at full speed without stopping and you can't see them. Yep, you're right, you can't blame accidents on cyclists :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[golfing eagles]

Who determines that golf carts are unstable or are made to be driven 13 mph on golf courses? Sure, many are but I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that in the Villages more miles are driven OFF the courses.

Love to see proof of that 13 number as well. Especially since a standard golf cart without mechanical alteration is legal to go 25 if you pay the registration fee

[Topspinmo]

From my observations that is a complete falsehood. But if you have some meaningful statistical proof..........

Yes my observations, good enough for me. :wave:

[Topspinmo]

Love to see proof of that 13 number as well. Especially since a standard golf cart without mechanical alteration is legal to go 25 if you pay the registration fee

Agree, maybe the old 3 wheel golf carts but not modern golf carts today.

[golfing eagles]

Yes my observations, good enough for me. :wave:

Well, that’s one. Anyone else???😂😂😂

[Happydaz]

Who determines that golf carts are unstable or are made to be driven 13 mph on golf courses? Sure, many are but I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that in the Villages more miles are driven OFF the courses.

If cars flipped over as often as golf carts there would be a national investigation. How often have you seen a golf cart coming around a corner too fast and the outside wheels can be seen lifting off the pavement? Come on people, let’s face it, driving a golf cart at 20-25 miles per hour can be dangerous. I rode a motorcycle for years and I was well aware of the dangers involved. I didn’t kid myself that motorcycling was a safe means of travel. Golf carts are flimsy and prone to flipping over. Many people think they are fun go carts and drive them like bumper cars at an amusement park.

[Bill14564]

If cars flipped over as often as golf carts there would be a national investigation. How often have you seen a golf cart coming around a corner too fast and the outside wheels can be seen lifting off the pavement? Come on people, let’s face it, driving a golf cart at 20-25 miles per hour can be dangerous. I rode a motorcycle for years and I was well aware of the dangers involved. I didn’t kid myself that motorcycling was a safe means of travel. Golf carts are flimsy and prone to flipping over. Many people think they are fun go carts and drive them like bumper cars at an amusement park.

It would be interesting to see the stats on that per mile driven.

As for your question: never in the seven years I’ve been here.

I rode a motorcycle for 25 years or so until I got tired of riding in the rain. Like any vehicle, it was a safe as the driver made it. Golf carts are not inherently unsafe. The only thing that makes them seem that way are the fantastic stories and exaggerations often seen on ToTV.

[golfing eagles]

If cars flipped over as often as golf carts there would be a national investigation. How often have you seen a golf cart coming around a corner too fast and the outside wheels can be seen lifting off the pavement? Come on people, let’s face it, driving a golf cart at 20-25 miles per hour can be dangerous. I rode a motorcycle for years and I was well aware of the dangers involved. I didn’t kid myself that motorcycling was a safe means of travel. Golf carts are flimsy and prone to flipping over. Many people think they are fun go carts and drive them like bumper cars at an amusement park.

It would be interesting to see the stats on that per mile driven.

As for your question: never in the seven years I’ve been here.

I rode a motorcycle for 25 years or so until I got tired of riding in the rain. Like any vehicle, it was a safe as the driver made it. Golf carts are not inherently unsafe. The only thing that makes them seem that way are the fantastic stories and exaggerations often seen on ToTV.

And in 11 years, NEVER.
And it's not the cart, it's the driver

[MorTech]

Ban golf carts! Save us!

Ban women from TV! Save us! :)