Golf Cart/Person Accident 2/24/2011

[Tbugs]

Does anyone know some of the details of the golf cart accident involving a pedestrian last night (2/24) at Lake Sumter Landing? I think it happened about 6:30 or so. Was it a speeding golf cart, alcohol involved on either part, or just plain bad luck?

How serious was the person hurt?

[Josie70]

2 many carts on the paths we have to be aware of everything around us.....and to many young children driving while visiting.....

[Tbugs]

I asked if anyone knew of the accident between a pedestrian and a golf cart and just got someone saying there are "2 many carts on the paths and we have to be aware of everything around us and "to (sic) many young children driving while visiting."

This did not answer anything.

[superuke]

There are simply too many booze hounds driving golf carts at the squares between 4.30 and 6.30 PM. Happy hour at home, Happy hour to go, happy hour at the squares. Then the call go home. Just a matter of time! Somebody will get hurt!

[skip0358]

Haven't heard anything, probably won't read anything either. Very rarely does news like that get put in TV paper. I think it's funny nobody knows anything but right away people assume it was a driver how'd been drinking. That's what starts problems. Maybe someone tripped or fell. Maybe someone got sick.Maybe someone had a heart attack.

[raynan]

We were there last night and walked over right after it happened. A woman stepped off the curb in front of a golf cart and according to several witnesses the golf cart driver didn't have a chance of avoiding her. She was face down on the street but was responsive and the word was it was a broken hip or leg. The square was mobbed last night and while we were there saw several passengers hop out of their golf carts to stand in line for reservations or drinks and never looked before they leaped. Saw several close calls. Proceed with caution everybody!

[raynan]

Oh, and alcohol was NOT a factor.

[skip0358]

Thanks for the info. So see what happens when we assume. Look before we leap. Think before we type.

[nitehawk]

Haven't heard anything, probably won't read anything either. Very rarely does news like that get put in TV paper. I think it's funny nobody knows anything but right away people assume it was a driver how'd been drinking. That's what starts problems. Maybe someone tripped or fell. Maybe someone got sick.Maybe someone had a heart attack.

Or maybe the pedestrian had been drinking.

[JenAjd]

I've observed many times pedestrians just walking without looking for traffic. Have thought during those times that "one of these days" someone is going to be clipped a good one! I know they have the right of way however they too need to be prudent!!! That's too bad about that lady....I wish her a speedy recovery!!

[Sherman931]

Accidents do happen. Drinking aside, there are plenty of people who drive their cars and don't follow the rules of the road...so why would we assume that golf carts are any safer as these same people are drving the carts? I said it before and I will say it again...far too many speeders driving around in golf carts same as they do in there autos. Always have to pass someone and always in a rush to get somewhere :sad:

[Tbugs]

Thanks for the good info, Rayan. Yep, I have seen lots of pedestrians just step off the curb into traffic like that. Hope she has a full and speedy recovery.

Skip, usually the Daily Sun does put in all the traffic accidents involving pedestrians just to keep the public informed to be careful. In fact, there was one in the Daily Sun today (Saturday) of a man who was airlifted to the hospital when he either fell or was thrown from his cart.

Hope everyone has full insurance coverage on their golf carts. Having to pay for someone's medical expenses could be very expensive.

[dgammon6]

We drove past just before the ambulance arrived, Plenty of people there to assist. It was on DelMar and an article is in the paper this morning. Single cart accident.

[zcaveman]

Accidents do happen. Drinking aside, there are plenty of people who drive their cars and don't follow the rules of the road...so why would we assume that golf carts are any safer as these same people are driving the carts? I said it before and I will say it again...far too many speeders driving around in golf carts same as they do in there autos. Always have to pass someone and always in a rush to get somewhere :sad:

Why do you assume it was not the pedestrian's fault? Too many times I have had to stop short because the pedestrian just stepped out into traffic without looking left or right.

The other day I was going down Buena Vista in my car and was approaching Belleaire and was watching a guy getting ready to cross to Harmeswood. He looked neither left or right and stepped off of the curb into traffic. If I had not been watching he would have been toast.

And forget the shopping centers. Many people walking to and from the stores do not look either left or right when crossing to and from the stores. It is driver beware.

[philnpat]

We also came upon the accident in Sumter Landing shortly after it happened. For a time, there were 6 sheriff cars and 2 state trooper cars at the scene.
After all the excitement was over (2 hours), the troopers let the cart driver leave. There was a loud round of applause from the diners outside at Red Sauce.
My wife and I were then more aware of pedestrians crossing the street. The majority didn't look while using the crosswalks. Many while crossing mid-block, didn't look either. Gas carts sometimes make enough noise to remind us to look but electric carts can sneak up on you. I guess with the popularity of hybrid vehicles, pedestrians should remember what your parents taught you. "LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET!!"

[GatorFan]

Shopping Center-autos need to slow down and STOP at the crosswalks

[katezbox]

Why do you assume it was not the pedestrian's fault? Too many times I have had to stop short because the pedestrian just stepped out into traffic without looking left or right.

Just today on Canal Street - four people stepped out right in front of me - instead of walking to the crosswalk about 6 feet away...

[paulandjean]

Let me get this straight. 6 sheriffs cars and 2 state troopers cars,there two hours. I rest my case.

[graciegirl]

..

[raynan]

dgammon.....different accident......everyone be careful!

[Talk Host]

Shopping Center-autos need to slow down and STOP at the crosswalks


I totally agree that cars and carts need to proceed slowly in shopping center parking lots. However, there is plenty of blame to go around. As Caveman pointed out in an earlier post, people just trot out of the stores and across the lane WITHOUT LOOKING ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.

Why do they do that? Vehicles can't stop at every storefront in a strip mall. I would think that the mere knowledge that cars and carts are prone to driving too fast in parking lots, would make people stop and look. There has to be some consideration on the part of the pedestrians too.


The frustrating thing is that talking about it won't change anything. People are going to do it and do it and do it. I'm thinking that with age comes the feeling of entitlement. "I'm entitled to walk out here like this and it's the responsibility of others to look out for ME."

jlk

[Russ_Boston]

Let me get this straight. 6 sheriffs cars and 2 state troopers cars,there two hours. I rest my case.


What case? I didn't see a post from you earlier about this. Was it deleted?

[Sherman931]

Caveman:

I did not assume nor imply the pedestrian was innocent in the encounter. I was merely pointing out my observations of the behavior of cart drivers and auto drivers. IHowever, I do agree with all the other comments about pedestrians stepping into traffic without looking. As to who was at fault in this particular situation I cannot say because I wasn't there nor am I qualified to do so without having all the facts.

I always follow Andy Roony's advise..."Look both ways, even when crossing a one way street".

[2BNTV]

How unfortunate for the woman that suffered by being hit with the golf cart and the driver as I am sure they were not thrilled at having this accident happen to them.

Most accidents are caused by a lapse in judgement.

Be careful out there.

I wish her a speedy recovery.

[paulandjean]

Maybe you did not get it. Maybe a little overkill.8 police cars for accident.Did not have earlier post.Above posts said all.

[graciegirl]

Maybe you did not get it. Maybe a little overkill.8 police cars for accident.Did not have earlier post.Above posts said all.

You don't care for police officers?

There isn't much crime in TV for them to solve.

I didn't hear the closing arguments either and I don't get the point on why having all of those police cars there for two hours is overkill.... well, I get that it is overkill, because they weren't really NEEDED. They could be parked outside of Publix eating donuts........They have to be SOMEWHERE.

[duffysmom]

You don't care for police officers?

There isn't much crime in TV for them to solve.

I didn't hear the closing arguments either and I don't get the point on why having all of those police cars there for two hours is overkill.... well, I get that it is overkill, because they weren't really NEEDED. They could be parked outside of Publix eating donuts........They have to be SOMEWHERE.

Gracie, you took the words out of my mouth. I for one want a quick response and the more the merrier. I have friends who live in densely populated areas and they would be thrilled to see even one car arrive in minutes; unfortunately they (the police) are too busy dodging bullets. We're living in paradise, be happy.

[paulandjean]

Please everyone relax, take a deep breath. Point maybe 8 cars is a lot. Maybe wrong. two hours just seems a little long. No mention of fire rescue.People cheered from outside bar as they where leaving. I was not there and many of you also where not there also. No where did I mention I did not like police. Ease up. Enjoy yourself.

[Shimpy]

How about a minor accident such as two carts sideswiping on one of the cart paths? Most of us have insurance I think, so who do you call? Usually the police to get a police report to give to your insurance company. Would the police respond to an accident off public highways? What would the insurance co. require to settle claims?

[ajbrown]

Hey, we had three police cars here the other day for a broken car window on the street, so eight for a cart running over someone seems proportional.

What Talk Host posted struck a bell with me. In MA there is a very strict law regarding people in or about to be in a crosswalk. In fact in years past I have seen "stings" where plains clothes police officers will approach a crosswalk and if the cars did not stop they were pulled over and warned or ticketed. Do not get me wrong, this is a good law and I suspect saves many lives.

What it has created though is a set of people that no longer even look before entering the crosswalk. Since they have the "right" to cross if in a crosswalk, they do so without even looking. Even with the MA law, there is no way I step off a curb without making sure drivers are paying attention.

[skyguy79]

Hey, we had three police cars here the other day for a broken car window on the street, so eight for a cart running over someone seems proportional.

What Talk Host posted struck a bell with me. In MA there is a very strict law regarding people in or about to be in a crosswalk. In fact in years past I have seen "stings" where plains clothes police officers will approach a crosswalk and if the cars did not stop they were pulled over and warned or ticketed. Do not get me wrong, this is a good law and I suspect saves many lives.

What it has created though is a set of people that no longer even look before entering the crosswalk. Since they have the "right" to cross if in a crosswalk, they do so without even looking. Even with the MA law, there is no way I step off a curb without making sure drivers are paying attention.I was thinking basicly the same thing. I must say though that I've use my mobility scooter at both SS & LSL and have been surprised and pleased at how many drivers of both autos and golf cars have been courtious enough to stop and wave me to cross when they could have just as easily continued on without doing so. Either way, I would rather exercise personal responsibility by looking and waiting when necessary than be struck by an inattentive or inconsiderate driver.
http://www.corvettedreamcar.com/images/Smiley-waving-driving-C1.gif http://portconmaine.com/forum/Smileys/default/icon_arch_scooter.gif

[Russ_Boston]

Hey, we had three police cars here the other day for a broken car window on the street, so eight for a cart running over someone seems proportional.

What Talk Host posted struck a bell with me. In MA there is a very strict law regarding people in or about to be in a crosswalk. In fact in years past I have seen "stings" where plains clothes police officers will approach a crosswalk and if the cars did not stop they were pulled over and warned or ticketed. Do not get me wrong, this is a good law and I suspect saves many lives.

What it has created though is a set of people that no longer even look before entering the crosswalk. Since they have the "right" to cross if in a crosswalk, they do so without even looking. Even with the MA law, there is no way I step off a curb without making sure drivers are paying attention.

Yes the law is strict here. BUT I hate when I see people on the sidewalk at a crosswalk, I stop, wave them on and then they tell us to go since they aren't crossing! So it works both ways!

[natickdan]

Yes the law is strict here. BUT I hate when I see people on the sidewalk at a crosswalk, I stop, wave them on and then they tell us to go since they aren't crossing! So it works both ways!

I have found that trying to understand the intentions of someone in or near a cross walk can not only be difficult, but dangerous. I've also stopped to waive someone to cross only to see them motioned for me to go, so I have become more careful while driving around TV.

When all is said and done, most of us don't have any sense of urgency while enjoying our time in TV.

[sam&rog]

Does anyone know some of the details of the golf cart accident involving a pedestrian last night (2/24) at Lake Sumter Landing? I think it happened about 6:30 or so. Was it a speeding golf cart, alcohol involved on either part, or just plain bad luck?

How serious was the person hurt?

the woman stepped out in front of the cart. the driver went about 30 ft and then backed up.
two waiters from Red Sauce vaulted the rail to come to her aid. great young men.
Ambulance arrived last, seemed to take forever.
Unconfirmed rumors from the hospital is that she did not survive.

[scroll]

you mean she died

[raynan]

Any way of finding out if this is true???

[Talk Host]

Any way of finding out if this is true???

I hope it's not true, or course. I would think that this kind of thing would be in the Daily Sun.

[JimJoe]

This thread reminds me of what my parents taught me.
It is never good to be dead right.

[Auntmimi]

2 many carts on the paths we have to be aware of everything around us.....and to many young children driving while visiting.....

There are a few streets that we try to avoid when driving our car and one is Canal Street. We use Buena Vista and Morse whenever possible to avoid
the carts on Canal because there have been a few accidents involving both.

It is so much less stressful and quicker not to be watching out for golf cars.

Let's all slow down a little and remember, also, that the cars in the circle have
the right of way!!!!!! You would never know it.

[bluedog103]

Let's all slow down a little and remember, also, that the cars in the circle have
the right of way!!!!!! You would never know it.
I think speed has very little to do with accidents around the squares. The problem is inattention. That includes cars, carts and pedestrians. People are watching everything except the road ahead of them. Pedestrians wander around like they're at a mall. It can be very dangerous around the squares mostly because people allow themselves to be distracted.
People meander around slowly enough but they have their heads up their you know whats.

[JenAjd]

I think speed has very little to do with accidents around the squares. The problem is inattention. That includes cars, carts and pedestrians. People are watching everything except the road ahead of them. Pedestrians wander around like they're at a mall. It can be very dangerous around the squares mostly because people allow themselves to be distracted.
People meander around slowly enough but they have their heads up their you know whats.

I agree with this poster! I see the golf-cart drivers paying more attention to trying to find a parking spot or to see what's happening inside the square (entertainers etc) than what's in front of them. I've actually see both carts and cars/trucks going way too fast in this area as well. THEN factor in the meandering pedestrians...some alone, some in groups, some with children and pets in tow as well. I'm surprised more accidents don't happen there!!! (factor in the alcohol consuption and it's a recipe for disaster)

[Skybo]

Just out of curiosity, if a golf cart driver is stopped for speeding in TV and the officer can smell alchohol, are they given sobriety tests and/or breathalisers? I assume the same legal limit applies to golf cart drivers as it does to automobile drivers?

[EdV]

Yes they can if you are on the public streets in TV, but not if you are on the multimodal paths as TV has not given them jurisdiction over the paths.

[spk7951]

There was a brief mention of this accident in the Daily Sun today and that the victim suffered a minor leg injury.

I can not help but wonder why that took seven days to publish.

[jmarkohio]

Without going into any detail because of privacy issues...it was NOT a minor injury.

[Bob45]

Just out of curiosity, if a golf cart driver is stopped for speeding in TV and the officer can smell alchohol, are they given sobriety tests and/or breathalisers? I assume the same legal limit applies to golf cart drivers as it does to automobile drivers?

And if you are stopped do you have to show a drivers license. My understanding is that a drivers license in not required to drive a golf cart. Can you refuse to show it? And if you do, what about points on your license? How would all that work?

Bob

[Barefoot]

And if you are stopped do you have to show a drivers license. My understanding is that a drivers license in not required to drive a golf cart. Can you refuse to show it? And if you do, what about points on your license? How would all that work? Bob

I've been told you cannot "legally" drive a golf cart if you're under 14. Who makes up these rules? If this is true, obviously no driver's license is required. (And I've seen very young children driving golf carts without an adult present, barely able to see over the steering wheel!). I wonder if a person without a license is protected by the cart's insurance if they cause an injury to a pedestrian?

[Bogie Shooter]

I've been told you cannot "legally" drive a golf cart if you're under 14. Who makes up these rules? If this is true, obviously no driver's license is required. (And I've seen very young children driving golf carts without an adult present, barely able to see over the steering wheel!). I wonder if a person without a license is protected by the cart's insurance if they cause an injury to a pedestrian?

Them boys up in Tallahasse. Under 14 is state law.

[downeaster]

And if you are stopped do you have to show a drivers license. My understanding is that a drivers license in not required to drive a golf cart. Can you refuse to show it? And if you do, what about points on your license? How would all that work?

Bob

If you are stopped they can ask for identification. If you have a driver's license and have committed a moving violation I expect you can be fined and "earn" points. If you are under 14 your infraction will be reported to your home state and probably delay receiving your drivers license to an age beyond the norm.

If you have no drivers license and you are over 14 you are "legal" but it won't get you out of trouble if you commit a moving violation.

If you have no license and no identification you may get a ride to the police station until they find out who you are.

If you have not committed a moving violation I don't think they can stop you and demand identification unless they suspect you are under 14.

My observations are based on my own interpretation of the law. If an absolute correct answer is needed I would advise consulting law enforcement or an attorney.

[Tbugs]

Barefoot,
The golf cart does not have insurance - the owner of the cart has insurance. If the owner let a child drive and an accident occured, the owner is going to get his/her butt sued off.

Be sure that your golf cart is insured before driving.

[zcaveman]

If you do not have a drivers license the state will issue a temporary license so they can put you in the system. If you are under 14, it will go to your home state and count against you when you decide to apply for a drivers license. It could mean that the minor ill not get a drivers license at 16 or 18 or whatever age they apply. If you are over 14 and do not have a license it will be the same. You will be in the system.

[rjm1cc]

And that happens on regular roads. Last week on a 4 lane city street a person was walking around in the center of the street. Could not make up his mind which side of the street he wanted to go to. I think the fact that he was on a cell phone might have made him forget about traffic. People crossing against the light and in the middle of the road seems to be common in certain locations and getting worse.

[GeorgeT]

Barefoot,
The golf cart does not have insurance - the owner of the cart has insurance. If the owner let a child drive and an accident occured, the owner is going to get his/her butt sued off.

Be sure that your golf cart is insured before driving.

I believe cart insurance is the same as car insurance. The cart or car is insured no matter who is driving.