child driver equals golf car accident

[tkret]

Near the Santo Domingo gate is a damaged golf car. In speaking with the gate house attendant, she told me that an under age child visiting The Villages was allowed to drive the homeowners golf car. The driver struck a tree and tore off the roof of the golf car and damaged the front left side as well. The attendant doesn't know if there were any serious injuries.

[asianthree]

Bet the insurance isn't going to cover that

[BogeyBoy]

Over the last few days I have observed children hanging out of carts, driving carts, and in general making me cross my fingers that they get home safe.

I guess it's the season, seems we have this thread every year.

Next will be the thread about golf cart doing donuts and tearing up the golf courses.

[buggyone]

Well, Pop-Pop is going to have to cut down on Christmas presents this year so he can pay for the golf cart that insurance will not pay for.

Another costly lesson was learned but I am sure that there will be many more postings of kids acting stupidly on golf carts between now and the end of the Christmas season.

[momesu]

Hmmm...I guess that though living in TV is living in paradise, it isn't living in a paradise free of adults who either don't think through their actions or ones who just don't care to be responsible and therefore put themselves and others at risk. Oh well TV is still as perfect as it gets........I'll just drive extra defensively looking out for those irresponsible folks. I can do that.

Suzanne

[zcaveman]

Hmmm...I guess that though living in TV is living in paradise, it isn't living in a paradise free of adults who either don't think through their actions or ones who just don't care to be responsible and therefore put themselves and others at risk. Oh well TV is still as perfect as it gets........I'll just drive extra defensively looking out for those irresponsible folks. I can do that.

Suzanne

At least you hope you can. You never know where they will be coming from.

[graciegirl]

You are right. We hear about kids driving golf carts at each visiting time.

Oh please don't let those sweet bright eyed children behind the wheel.

[ladydoc]

Hmmm...I guess that though living in TV is living in paradise, it isn't living in a paradise free of adults who either don't think through their actions or ones who just don't care to be responsible and therefore put themselves and others at risk. Oh well TV is still as perfect as it gets........I'll just drive extra defensively looking out for those irresponsible folks. I can do that.

Suzanne

Well said...some folks just can not accept that the rules actually do also apply to THEIR grandchildren. I have seen very young ones white knuckling it at the steering wheel while grandpa just looks on....

[DandyGirl]

Unfortunately you can't teach people common sense. I saw a young mother driving a golf cart holding her sleeping baby to her chest with one hand and steering with the other! You wouldn't do that in a car so WHY would you do that in an open golf cart? I prayed they got home safely.

[Whalen]

Yes we do have this thread every season; Christmas, Spring break, summer etc..
But as I titled this response what are we to do?
This is not Stonecrest or Del Webb, sleepy little communities where cars go 25MPH and carts don't go very fast.
This is THE VILLAGES, 80,000+, carts going 20 to 30 MHP, sharing the road with cement trucks, Allied Van Lines, landscaping rigs and the like.
Some of our neighbors think it's just great to give little Johnny or Jenny free reign in a golf cart.
Just remember, the way we use our carts is not a right it's a privelege, which can be taken away.
I pose the question, I do not presume to have the answer.

[The Shadow]

Yes we do have this thread every season; Christmas, Spring break, summer etc..
But as I titled this response what are we to do?
This is not Stonecrest or Del Webb, sleepy little communities where cars go 25MPH and carts don't go very fast.
This is THE VILLAGES, 80,000+, carts going 20 to 30 MHP, sharing the road with cement trucks, Allied Van Lines, landscaping rigs and the like.
Some of our neighbors think it's just great to give little Johnny or Jenny free reign in a golf cart.
Just remember, the way we use our carts is not a right it's a privelege, which can be taken away.
I pose the question, I do not presume to have the answer.

The answer put the grandparents in jail for willful neglect and endangerment of a minor. (The cart owners.)

More than 1 million children are victims of child abuse and neglect each year, according to state child protective service agencies. Many victims don't receive help because they are not reported to the system. These abused and neglected children span all ages, races, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. Child maltreatment includes actions that result in imminent risk of serious harm, death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under age 18 by a parent or caretaker. SNIP.......

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/abuse/

[gatherer47]

I agree with The Shadow

[CarGuys]

I had a weak moment and made a very bad judgement once.

After days of whining I whimped and let our 15 year old daughter drive the cart in Disney Ft Wilderness Campground. I saw others doing the same.

A Disney Offical caught us and we were packed up and removed from the campground. It ruined a vacation.

I have this flashback every time I see under age kids behind the wheel.

Our last visit in July my wife and I witnessed Grandpa with teenage Grandson next to the flashing lights of a police car. It was dark around 9 at night. The Gate and Cart were all smashed at the St James entrance.

I hope those that read this learn from my previous mistake.:doh:

[graciegirl]

That is the problem Carguy. It isn't against the law, it is against good judgement. And if only what most of us are talking about is a 15 year old. We are talking about much younger children for the most part.

It is so much fun. YES. But it is dangerous to the precious child and to the family who is not in the drivers seat, and to the rest of us, whose grandchildren also love US.

[Figmo Bohica]

No matter how many laws are passed, none will outlaw STUPITY

[paulandjean]

Do not think any way this is "Child Abuse". putting grandparents in jail is just silly.Just be aware of your surroundings and you will be just fine.

[The Village Girl]

Excessive permissiveness = Child Abuse!

Any time a parent or grandparent allows a child to do something that could harm/kill them, that IS child abuse. There would be no other reason to allow a child to do something like that except to buy love from the child.

Sorry folks, but it's just not worth it. Buy them an ice cream! :rant-rave:

[Oren L Miller]

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. Albert E

Teaching your grandkids to break the laws and not act responsibly is grandparent stupidity. Dont sugar coat it. Let's teach our grandkids RESPECT for the laws. Let's teach them not to do things that can cause people to get hurt or maimed. :police::gc:

[RichieB]

Is there a written age requirement for driving a golf cat in TV ?

Reminds me of when my daughter was learning to drive. I gave her as much "behind the wheel" time as possible. She still made some absolutely stupid mistakes that almost, but didn't result in accidents.

When she did road test and got her license, the inspector commented that he thought she was well taught. Good feeling for Dad.

[paulandjean]

No way child abuse. Remember what we did as kids. Using machines, driving cars, this is how we learned.Think ,how many kids are learning to drive before they get their real drivers license. Get real,not sure if this is really a problem in the villages. Seems everyone gets real excited on a subject and do not think it through.Child abuse no way. Lets say your grandkid took your cart,you go to jail, do not think so.

[The Village Girl]

No way child abuse. Remember what we did as kids. Using machines, driving cars, this is how we learned.Think ,how many kids are learning to drive before they get their real drivers license. Get real,not sure if this is really a problem in the villages. Seems everyone gets real excited on a subject and do not think it through.Child abuse no way. Lets say your grandkid took your cart,you go to jail, do not think so.

It's OK to let your child/grandchild use machines, drive cars and golf carts because "this is how we learned" (which BTW, I didn't drive on a public road until I had a permit and even then I was taken to rural roads first), but if something goes wrong, the parents/grandparents shouldn't go to jail? Really?

Rule number 1 If you "steal" my cart to go for a joy ride! I will throw you in jail! Because if your grandchild "took" your cart, they just stole it!

[The Shadow]

No way child abuse. Remember what we did as kids. Using machines, driving cars, this is how we learned.Think ,how many kids are learning to drive before they get their real drivers license. Get real,not sure if this is really a problem in the villages. Seems everyone gets real excited on a subject and do not think it through.Child abuse no way. Lets say your grandkid took your cart,you go to jail, do not think so.
When learning to drive the young person must be accompanied by an adult and when learning to drive a car the student must have a learners permit. A student must have an instructor not set free to learn from his mistakes. A person can not teach themselves what they themselves do not know.

[Oren L Miller]

No way child abuse. Remember what we did as kids. Using machines, driving cars, this is how we learned.Think ,how many kids are learning to drive before they get their real drivers license. Get real,not sure if this is really a problem in the villages. Seems everyone gets real excited on a subject and do not think it through.Child abuse no way. Lets say your grandkid took your cart,you go to jail, do not think so.

Disney 55 miles south. That is where the kids get to drive the rides. TV is an adult living community. We shouldn't have to dodge your grandkids.
Remember what we did as kids. Most of us did things that were wrong. You don't want these kids anywhere near a bridge where other kids are jumping in to play with the gators.
Not sure if it is a problem in the villages? This started from a kid crashing a cart. If one kid is driving a cart - Duh! you have a problem.
Teaching kids to break laws is child abuse.
Grandkid stealing your cart. My father taught me if I go to jail not to call him for bail. In jail they can't kill you and they have to feed you. Your grandkids steal your cart they get a time out. My grandkids steal my cart they better be heading for a foreign country. They know better. They understand rules and respect. What happened to teaching right and wrong and having morales?

[billybye]

While talking about golf cart safety and underage children, let's think about "over-age" driving of golf carts. I know a lot of villagers who can't see well enough or have needed reflexes to drive a car, but are out driving a golf cart.
I feel if you cannot drive a car, you shouldn't danger people in your golf cart also.
I know I'll get a lot of people who think otherwise, but I have dodged a lot of "oldsters" coming around corners head on with my golf cart.
I am not saying youngster should be allowed when not legal - just saying we better look our for everyone.

[The Shadow]

While talking about golf cart safety and underage children, let's think about "over-age" driving of golf carts. I know a lot of villagers who can't see well enough or have needed reflexes to drive a car, but are out driving a golf cart.
I feel if you cannot drive a car, you shouldn't danger people in your golf cart also.
I know I'll get a lot of people who think otherwise, but I have dodged a lot of "oldsters" coming around corners head on with my golf cart.
I am not saying youngster should be allowed when not legal - just saying we better look our for everyone.
What would be the outcome of the 80 year old having to outmaneuver a sharp 13 year old daredevil? My guess is an 80 year old covered with tire tracks.

[LvmyPug2]

On thanksgiving day I saw gramps letting what looked like a 13 or 14 old slowly drive a golf cart around a completely empty parking lot at sea breeze rec center. (it was closed, hence no cars) While I too agree that kids should never be allowed to drive carts on the paths or road, I thought this was a good alternative.

[graciegirl]

While talking about golf cart safety and underage children, let's think about "over-age" driving of golf carts. I know a lot of villagers who can't see well enough or have needed reflexes to drive a car, but are out driving a golf cart.
I feel if you cannot drive a car, you shouldn't danger people in your golf cart also.
I know I'll get a lot of people who think otherwise, but I have dodged a lot of "oldsters" coming around corners head on with my golf cart.
I am not saying youngster should be allowed when not legal - just saying we better look our for everyone.

You are absolutely and completely right.

However this is a community for olders.

[ladydoc]

Excessive permissiveness = Child Abuse!

Any time a parent or grandparent allows a child to do something that could harm/kill them, that IS child abuse. There would be no other reason to allow a child to do something like that except to buy love from the child.

Sorry folks, but it's just not worth it. Buy them an ice cream! :rant-rave:

I agree...putting a kid behind the wheel is child endangerment at the very least.

[graciegirl]

Funny. When you ask a successful person if his parents were tough...you hardly ever hear...

no.

[Oren L Miller]

Funny. When you ask a successful person if his parents were tough...you hardly ever hear...

no.

I hadn't thought of this but this is a thought provoking truth. Nice job well said.

[CaptJohn]

Funny. When you ask a successful person if his parents were tough...you hardly ever hear...

no.

I can tell you about tough. My father was fresh from the U S Marine Corps WWII at Iwo Jima. 'Yes sir' and 'no sir' were military things, not just southern things.

[Indydealmaker]

Is there a written age requirement for driving a golf cat in TV ?

Reminds me of when my daughter was learning to drive. I gave her as much "behind the wheel" time as possible. She still made some absolutely stupid mistakes that almost, but didn't result in accidents.

When she did road test and got her license, the inspector commented that he thought she was well taught. Good feeling for Dad.

Age 14 and up.
The Villages Book touches on this: http://www.thevillagesfloridabook.com/how-old-to-drive-a-golf-cart-in-the-villages/
Unless the cart is street legal, then a driver's license is required. The Villages Golf Cart Man web site touches on this: http://villagesgolfcartman.com/id16.html

[paulandjean]

See nothing wrong with parents grandparents teaching them how to drive.As a former teacher,you are way off base calling this child abuse. Driving a automobile yes is against the law. Driving a golf cart is not. Have you ever heard of a person getting a ticket? of course not.

[buggyone]

When underaged Johnnie or Suzy hit someone in a crosswalk at Lake Sumter Landing, Gramps is going to lose everyting he worked for all of his 40 year career.

Is it better to be a little strict with the golf cart or the possibility of losing everything?

[Indydealmaker]

See nothing wrong with parents grandparents teaching them how to drive.As a former teacher,you are way off base calling this child abuse. Driving a automobile yes is against the law. Driving a golf cart is not. Have you ever heard of a person getting a ticket? of course not.

Just read in the paper last week about an adult that was charged with endangering a child for teaching an underage kid how to drive a car. In Florida there is no distinction. Florida law dictates that the minimum age to drive a golf cart is 14. The least g-pa would get is a ticket.

[Oren L Miller]

See nothing wrong with parents grandparents teaching them how to drive.As a former teacher,you are way off base calling this child abuse. Driving a automobile yes is against the law. Driving a golf cart is not. Have you ever heard of a person getting a ticket? of course not.

Near the Santo Domingo gate is a damaged golf car. In speaking with the gate house attendant, she told me that an under age child visiting The Villages was allowed to drive the homeowners golf car. The driver struck a tree and tore off the roof of the golf car and damaged the front left side as well. The attendant doesn't know if there were any serious injuries.

Child endangerment.
1. A person who is the parent, guardian, or person having custody or control over a child or a minor under the age of eighteen with a mental or physical disability, or a person who is a member of the household in which a child or such a minor resides, commits child endangerment when the person does any of the following:
a. Knowingly acts in a manner that creates a substantial risk to a child or minor's physical, mental or emotional health or safety

[Indydealmaker]

Near the Santo Domingo gate is a damaged golf car. In speaking with the gate house attendant, she told me that an under age child visiting The Villages was allowed to drive the homeowners golf car. The driver struck a tree and tore off the roof of the golf car and damaged the front left side as well. The attendant doesn't know if there were any serious injuries.

Child endangerment.
1. A person who is the parent, guardian, or person having custody or control over a child or a minor under the age of eighteen with a mental or physical disability, or a person who is a member of the household in which a child or such a minor resides, commits child endangerment when the person does any of the following:
a. Knowingly acts in a manner that creates a substantial risk to a child or minor's physical, mental or emotional health or safety

:agree:

[dsnrbec]

While we're on the subject of grandparents lacking common sense, I saw something that made me cringe yesterday. Two young children were riding on the back of a golf cart (not a 4 seater). They were standing up on the golf bag platform and held in by the golf cart strap. Crazy!

[Happinow]

While it's fun to have grand kids visit, they shouldn't be allowed to drive the cart on public roads/golf cart paths until they are 18. Maybe if they are 16 or older they can drive with an adult next to them. Golf carts are even more dangerous than cars because there is no protection if you get hit in them. It's probably a good idea, if you have to let your grand kids experience driving a golf cart, to take them to an empty parking lot to drive. This way they don't endanger themselves or anyone else. I thought adults were supposed to be responsible? I say if a person living in TV let's an underage child drive in the golf cart lane or golf cart path then they should be fined. It's a matter of safety. We love those little kids and all we want is for everyone to be safe.

[Happinow]

While we're on the subject of grandparents lacking common sense, I saw something that made me cringe yesterday. Two young children were riding on the back of a golf cart (not a 4 seater). They were standing up on the golf bag platform and held in by the golf cart strap. Crazy!

Kinda like going to the super market and seeing a child standing up in a cart! Ykes!!

[RichieB]

While it's fun to have grand kids visit, they shouldn't be allowed to drive the cart on public roads/golf cart paths until they are 18. Maybe if they are 16 or older they can drive with an adult next to them. Golf carts are even more dangerous than cars because there is no protection if you get hit in them. It's probably a good idea, if you have to let your grand kids experience driving a golf cart, to take them to an empty parking lot to drive. This way they don't endanger themselves or anyone else. I thought adults were supposed to be responsible? I say if a person living in TV let's an underage child drive in the golf cart lane or golf cart path then they should be fined. It's a matter of safety. We love those little kids and all we want is for everyone to be safe.

You took the words right out of my mouth !!

[wendyquat]

When my grandson was about 4 or 5 years old, he was at my house visiting. While I was busy preparing dinner, he was begging and whining for some candy. I told him NO several times explaining that candy was AFTER dinner and not before. He continued to plead for candy and I finally asked, "What part of no do you not understand?" Exasperated and in tears he replied, "But grandma,at home when I keep begging and begging, my mommy or daddy give me what I want".

Need I say more? THEREIN lies the problem! He's almost 14 now and continues to bully his parents and eventually gets everything he asks for but when I'm in charge he doesn't even try. We laugh about it now but I still stick with my guns! I only want what is best for them!

Maybe I can find a co-cart track to let them fulfill their driivng needs!

I hope he and my other 3 grandchildren will visit next summer but NO WAY are either of them driving a golf cart here in TV. Golly, it scares me sometimes!

[paulandjean]

So I guess,The article in todays daily sun about the man owning all the chevrolet is an example of child abuse. His father let him drive trucks back and forth at work when he was 15 years of age. NO mini-bikes to dangerous, No hockey,wrestling, football to dangerous. Girls no balance beam to dangerous, These then could all be child abuse in some peoples eyes.

[wendyquat]

So I guess,The article in todays daily sun about the man owning all the chevrolet is an example of child abuse. His father let him drive trucks back and forth at work when he was 15 years of age. NO mini-bikes to dangerous, No hockey,wrestling, football to dangerous. Girls no balance beam to dangerous, These then could all be child abuse in some peoples eyes.

The world was pretty different back then! Probably a dirt, farm road with little or no traffic to contend with.

[graciegirl]

So I guess,The article in todays daily sun about the man owning all the chevrolet is an example of child abuse. His father let him drive trucks back and forth at work when he was 15 years of age. NO mini-bikes to dangerous, No hockey,wrestling, football to dangerous. Girls no balance beam to dangerous, These then could all be child abuse in some peoples eyes.

Were you tough on your kids?

My kids called me "the warden". :wave:

[ladydoc]

See nothing wrong with parents grandparents teaching them how to drive.As a former teacher,you are way off base calling this child abuse. Driving a automobile yes is against the law. Driving a golf cart is not. Have you ever heard of a person getting a ticket? of course not.

I think I have read that there are tickets being given out for going over the speed limit in certain places....maybe someone who knows more about this will chime in.

[The Village Girl]

See nothing wrong with parents grandparents teaching them how to drive.As a former teacher,you are way off base calling this child abuse. Driving a automobile yes is against the law. Driving a golf cart is not. Have you ever heard of a person getting a ticket? of course not.

The Villages is a different situation where the mode of transportation is Golf Cart. In any other community, a child would not be allowed to drive a golf cart without being stopped.

As to permissiveness and child abuse. You might want to ask the mother of the daughter who is so crippled that she won't be thrown in prison for drunk driving and killing her best friend. Her mom couldn't say no to her driving the hot mustang. Granted, some kids are lucky and don't get caught. This one did. She is my niece.

Oh, and BTW, can you let us know when your grandkids are in town so we can watch out for them?

[ladydoc]

When my grandson was about 4 or 5 years old, he was at my house visiting. While I was busy preparing dinner, he was begging and whining for some candy. I told him NO several times explaining that candy was AFTER dinner and not before. He continued to plead for candy and I finally asked, "What part of no do you not understand?" Exasperated and in tears he replied, "But grandma,at home when I keep begging and begging, my mommy or daddy give me what I want".

Need I say more? THEREIN lies the problem! He's almost 14 now and continues to bully his parents and eventually gets everything he asks for but when I'm in charge he doesn't even try. We laugh about it now but I still stick with my guns! I only want what is best for them!

Maybe I can find a co-cart track to let them fulfill their driivng needs!

I hope he and my other 3 grandchildren will visit next summer but NO WAY are either of them driving a golf cart here in TV. Golly, it scares me sometimes!

You go, girl~

[gatherer47]

Well said-There are people on this thread and in the world who find excuses that are hard to fathom.Whoever let this child drive this cart that caused this accident deserves the harshest punishment allowed by law.

[CarGuys]

I was push mowing a acre of lawn at 10,

Loading wagons and Feeding Cows at 11

At 12 on the St Lawerence River , my Grandpa let me take the wheel of his 18ft Lyman with a 75 Johnson electric choke!

Hot days raking Hay driving a Case Farm Tractor at 13.

Pulling tandem grain wagons down the road at 14 and my first Honda Trail 90 motorcycle.

A full driver license in Grand Ledge Michigan at 15.

And as a lucky draft number 10, I was holding a weapon at 18-

Guess I grew up to fast. Would not trade any of it for the world!

Did not know while working a Farm my Mom Dad and GrandParents were child abusers. Was I in harms way , YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT! God Bless then for making me a man!

AlanJackson- " When Daddie let me Drive "

Gracie your right un supervised children that can't reach the wheel are to young on the cart paths. At least my grandfather could point me into a empty field or off road dirt farm road. Different days :sigh:same danger but less lawyers.

[hedoman]

The Daily Sun could be the answer. When these child driving accidents occur they should be front page news with pictures and interviews of those who let the underage/under trained kids get away with it. That may deter some.

But ,as the Daily Sun is an "upbeat" publication, I don't know if they would even consider running an article on the dangers of letting kids loose in carts.

Other than that the fines should be huge

IMHO

[hedoman]

Were you tough on your kids?

My kids called me "the warden". :wave:

My mom was "Marge the Sarge" .....tough? Youbetcha...we had to cut the metal tips off our canvas belts as they cut us when she used them on us...

I am finally learning my way around here ....how does a visiting little kid know where to go? When I was a kid all I wanted to do was go faster either on bike or sled. What do you think these kids want to do? Take a turn too fast and WHAMMO!

[graciegirl]

My mom was "Marge the Sarge" .....tough? Youbetcha...we had to cut the metal tips off our canvas belts as they cut us when she used them on us...

I am finally learning my way around here ....how does a visiting little kid know where to go? When I was a kid all I wanted to do was go faster either on bike or sled. What do you think these kids want to do? Take a turn too fast and WHAMMO!

Never used anything on their fannies but my bare hand early on and "the Look" later on seemed to accomplish things. My girls still say that when they enter a public restroom they expect someone to whisper to them to BEHAVE or ELSE! Someone had to do it. Sweetie never could find anything they did that was near as bad as he and his brothers. So I had to be the "warden". I remember making our granddaughter sit on the hearth to " think about it" when she was about six and turned around to find her eating a dish of ice cream...Guess who brought it to her...

[paulandjean]

"Marge the Sarge" MY point,do not hear anyone saying to this person,thats child abuse. Or "GG" I only used my hand on their bottom, that my friend is Child Abuse today. My point "Checkmate"

[ceejay]

The Villages is a different situation where the mode of transportation is Golf Cart. In any other community, a child would not be allowed to drive a golf cart without being stopped.

As to permissiveness and child abuse. You might want to ask the mother of the daughter who is so crippled that she won't be thrown in prison for drunk driving and killing her best friend. Her mom couldn't say no to her driving the hot mustang. Granted, some kids are lucky and don't get caught. This one did. She is my niece.
Oh, and BTW, can you let us know when your grandkids are in town so we can watch out for them?

I am so sorry for your niece and her parents. I can just imagine the guilt that they feel and will carry for the rest of their lives.

The world was a different place when we were growing up. Hence, the tractor driving and mini-bike riding. I once smashed into a tree on a snowmobile, head first. Thank God I was wearing a helmet.

Now these kids are playing video games with "crash 'em and smash 'em" storylines and they are feeling totally invincible with that "it could never happen to me" mantra playing in their heads.

Go ahead, hand them the keys to your golf cart.

All I know is that I don't want or need that "burden of guilt" if something does happen.

[gjbl8114]

No matter how many laws are passed, none will outlaw STUPITY[/B]

WELL SAID!!!!! CHANCES ARE, THE SAME GRANDPARENTS WHO ALLOW YOUNG CHILDREN TO DRIVE THESE CARTS ARE THE SAME PEOPLE WHO DRIVE GOLF CARTS WITH A LEG OR FOOT HANGING OUTSIDE OF IT. WONDER IF THEY DO THE SAME IN THEIR CAR???? WHAT GUIDANCE WOULD YOU EXPECT STUPID PEOPLE TO PROVIDE THEIR YOUNG???? duh!!!!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

"Marge the Sarge" MY point,do not hear anyone saying to this person,thats child abuse. Or "GG" I only used my hand on their bottom, that my friend is Child Abuse today. My point "Checkmate"

Spanking your child constitutes child abuse?

Bill :)

[RichieB]

Spanking your child constitutes child abuse?

Bill :)

in a public place, to some people, yes.

ridiculous, imo

[graciegirl]

"Marge the Sarge" MY point,do not hear anyone saying to this person,thats child abuse. Or "GG" I only used my hand on their bottom, that my friend is Child Abuse today. My point "Checkmate"

But Paul and Jean..

How did YOU discipline your children? Or perhaps you haven't any and I apologize for asking.

[ceejay]

But Paul and Jean..

How did YOU discipline your children? Or perhaps you haven't any and I apologize for asking.

Excellent question, Gracie. Inquiring minds want to know.:confused:

[getdul981]

Whenever I see a kid throwing a tantrum and getting his/her way I'm reminded of the phrase of "The tail wagging the dog".

[RichieB]

My wife had a creative solution for that. She would tell the kids to scream louder, so that the rest of the people in the store could hear them.

That solved the tantrum problem rather quickly. A little bit of reverse psychology.

[skip0358]

When my grandaughter comes to visit we go to the Polo grounds for driving lessons.I drive there and back. She drives around the track with me in the cart. When we return home the keys come out and go in my pocket. I don't leave the keys in the car or the cart. That way there's no way for her to even think about it. As for child abuse there's a big difference between a swat on the backside and a beating. Even the law allows a swat.

[ajdeck]

Near the Santo Domingo gate is a damaged golf car. In speaking with the gate house attendant, she told me that an under age child visiting The Villages was allowed to drive the homeowners golf car. The driver struck a tree and tore off the roof of the golf car and damaged the front left side as well. The attendant doesn't know if there were any serious injuries.



Sounds like it's time they limit driving golf carts to owners or renters only.

It's getting to be too much traffic for just anyone to drive a cart, especially if they have not had the driving class.

aj

[buggyone]

Too much traffic? Last night, Sunday, my wife and I came home from Canal Street Rec Center at a little before 9 pm to the Buena Vista trail and through Winifred up to Talley Ridge Drive - and passed by only ONE golf cart the entire distance.

Where did you folks come from to think The Villages has too much traffic even in Snowbird season?

[2BNTV]

Heck, I don't even know if I am safe in travelling around TV. :)

I pulled a bonehead play the last time I was down as it easy to get confused because of lack of familiarty. :shrug:

Speaking for myself, "On the safe side, I wouldn't allow my grandchild to drive as I would not like to deal with the consequences for a non-insured driver and I would never forgive myself for putting my grandchild at risk".

Wannabe Joe

[buggyone]

What kind of "bonehead" thing did you do? Don't tell us you were one of those drivers who turned your car onto a golf cart trail - and kept going until you got stuck in a tunnel. How would you explain that to your insurance company - or your wife?

[ladydoc]

My wife had a creative solution for that. She would tell the kids to scream louder, so that the rest of the people in the store could hear them.

That solved the tantrum problem rather quickly. A little bit of reverse psychology.

Good for her!! Most times kids get away with this kind of behavior because the parents get embarassed. I would rather be embarassed then let my kind get away with this. However, I think most parents wish they had the guts to do this, so maybe embarrassed is the wrong word.

[2BNTV]

What kind of "bonehead" thing did you do? Don't tell us you were one of those drivers who turned your car onto a golf cart trail - and kept going until you got stuck in a tunnel. How would you explain that to your insurance company - or your wife?

That's a secret I will keep to myself. :icon_wink:

I wasn't one of those drivers in the scenario you mentioned. I was trying to indicate that lack of familiarity is one reason that all golf cart drivers should be even more aware and another reason not to let inexperienced drivers out on the general public as even experienced drivers will make mistakes.

[angiefox10]

I was the one who drove on the Jack Nicklaus Golf Course. They say it's hard to get on there... But I'm here to tell you... It's really easy! If you know how.

Or... Don't know what you're doing! :loco:

[RichieB]

Speaking of people driving around on golf carts, do they have power, such as a cigarette lighter plug ? I'm thinking of a Lifestyle Visitor who might bring a GPS unit with him to help in getting around.

[graciegirl]

Speaking of people driving around on golf carts, do they have power, such as a cigarette lighter plug ? I'm thinking of a Lifestyle Visitor who might bring a GPS unit with him to help in getting around.

I hate to sound discouraging but that isn't going to work. Traveling in the carts is different. They go under roads and travel on sometimes not the same routes and paths that a car takes and as far as I KNOW, there is no gps program yet for carts here.

[RichieB]

oh well, it was worth a try

[renrod]

I hate to sound discouraging but that isn't going to work. Traveling in the carts is different. They go under roads and travel on sometimes not the same routes and paths that a car takes and as far as I KNOW, there is no gps program yet for carts here.
Carrying a GPS will not be perfect but, at least it will guide them in the correct direction. I've had people ask which way is LSL when they were headed in the wrong direction, they needed to turn around first.
"We're lost but we are making good time". :crap2:

[joannej]

We have a compass in our cart. One time I headed north instead of south; the golf cart ran out of juice. I learned my lesson and had hubby put a compass in cart. It helps a lot! :-)

[The Village Girl]

Bumping this again due to all the golf cart accidents in the recent days!

I'm not implying the accidents were a product of children drivers, but pointing out how dangerous the golf carts are. People who are not old enough to drive a car, shouldn't be driving a golf cart in The Villages!

That is all.

[Indydealmaker]

Bumping this again due to all the golf cart accidents in the recent days!

I'm not implying the accidents were a product of children drivers, but pointing out how dangerous the golf carts are. People who are not old enough to drive a car, shouldn't be driving a golf cart in The Villages!

That is all.

:agree: This restriction should also extend to seniors who are no longer licensed to drive. Golf carts on our streets are motor vehicles, not toys.

[anlashokna]

I guess if the grandparents don't want to accept responsibility maybe its time others start making a phone call when you see someone who is underage driving one. Golf carts are not toys even though many want to treat them as such. Your on the road with bigger, well fortified vehicles that will do serious damage to you and not much to themselves if there is a collision. From my understanding you have to be 14 to drive one and if your underage and caught it goes against your future license. Not to mention if you're in an accident guess whose insurance thats going against and the potential of law suits if they're the cause :( Grandma and Grandpa really need to think twice. Its really just a common sense thing, with as much traffic as I've seen there the underage driving just doesn't mix. Its just like here scooter driver got killed because he decided to take his scooter out on 1-95. Tractor trailer ate him...laws are there for a reason folks...
:police:

[Figmo Bohica]

Let your little darlings hit me or mine and guess who is going to own all that you have worked for. Need I say more.

[CarGuys]

Is there a law or age limit for Cart operation?

In NY there is a age for operation of four wheelers?

Just wondering?

[hedoman]

Off road it is 14 yo. on the road it is with a valid driver's license......

Spring break and Easter visitors are coming whcih means many kids who don't know how to get around will be hitting the paths.....

[tainsley]

We actually saw a woman (looked to be in her twenties) driving a golf cart on path at Stillwater Trail holding a baby over her arm driving with one hand on the steering wheel! Yikes!

[NotGolfer]

Is there a law or age limit for Cart operation?

In NY there is a age for operation of four wheelers?

Just wondering?

You have to be 14 or older in Florida!! I still think that's too young especially when alot of states have the graduated driving license restriction etc.

[daca55]

Well, Pop-Pop is going to have to cut down on Christmas presents this year so he can pay for the golf cart that insurance will not pay for.

Another costly lesson was learned but I am sure that there will be many more postings of kids acting stupidly on golf carts between now and the end of the Christmas season.

They lucky that the kids didn't hit another golf cart or car or pedestrian because then Pop-Pop would have to get a job to pay for damages that his insurance company won't pay for.:cryin2:

[JoeC1947]

Excessive permissiveness = Child Abuse!

Any time a parent or grandparent allows a child to do something that could harm/kill them, that IS child abuse. There would be no other reason to allow a child to do something like that except to buy love from the child.

Sorry folks, but it's just not worth it. Buy them an ice cream! :rant-rave:

I agree. You wouldn't give a child a loaded gun, why let them drive the golf cart? both can kill

[CarGuys]

See nothing wrong with parents grandparents teaching them how to drive.As a former teacher,you are way off base calling this child abuse. Driving a automobile yes is against the law. Driving a golf cart is not. Have you ever heard of a person getting a ticket? of course not.

As a Automotive Teacher I was brought up questioned and threatened for allowing under my supervision a 17 year old Farm Kid with a learners permit back out a donated shop vehicle into a empty school parking lot.

Never did find out who blew me in? I sat in the principals office and the lawyers stated child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

And yes I have seen kids ticketed for operating a Scooter or Four Wheelers in Rural sub divisions without a valid drivers lincensee.

[golf2140]

Unfortunately you can't teach people common sense. I saw a young mother driving a golf cart holding her sleeping baby to her chest with one hand and steering with the other! You wouldn't do that in a car so WHY would you do that in an open golf cart? I prayed they got home safely.

Also the older ones holding onto their dog!!!!! :police: