accident at 4 way stop on Canal

[Boudicca]

went into Sumter for doc's appointment, (one o'clock) and saw emergency crews, fire truck etc., blocking the road at the 4 way stop by Sony's at Canal and Old Camp. It is such a dangerous intersection that I avoid it at all costs, and cross Canal where the cart path croses Canal, and detour up to Sweet Bay parking lot. Hope there were no serious injuries, but the equipment vehicals were still there when I left the doc's office several hours later. :(

[Happinow]

I must say that as a visitor in TV, my husband and I observed many dangerous roundabouts and golf cart crossings. It seemed that the cars in the roundabouts were going so fast that it really didn't give you time to think. And, at one of the red lights, I think on Morse Blvd, it was a game of chicken while watching golf carts trying to cross the road. For an adult community, you think they would make things less dangerous. I think speed is a big factor with most people. I'm a little afraid to drive a golf cart for fear I may get hit. Something to think about.:undecided:

[Larry Wilson]

I must say that as a visitor in TV, my husband and I observed many dangerous roundabouts and golf cart crossings. It seemed that the cars in the roundabouts were going so fast that it really didn't give you time to think. And, at one of the red lights, I think on Morse Blvd, it was a game of chicken while watching golf carts trying to cross the road. For an adult community, you think they would make things less dangerous. I think speed is a big factor with most people. I'm a little afraid to drive a golf cart for fear I may get hit. Something to think about.:undecided:

So true.

[USNRet92]

Hate to hear of any incident that could have and should have been avoided.Hope no one was seriously hurt in todays accident. Not knowing all the danger spots can someone post areas that visitors need to be extra cautious at...We have an upcoming LSP in alittle over a week and with the need to venture out and see all we can, any advice on what routes to especially be cautious in or to totally avoid?
Thank You..

[CarGuys]

My Wife has been saying-

I want a Smart for Two. To Heck with the Golf Cart- You can have the Cart I'll take the Smart. It has Heat AC and a BMW designed Race Car Safety Cage- And no this is for TV not out on the Interstates

Yes they Shed Plastic Body parts when hit as designed but the occupants are in the Cage safer than a Cart! And you can replace them yourself.

Something I have to think about!:ohdear:

[Mr Hanky]

My Wife has been saying-

I want a Smart for Two. To Heck with the Golf Cart- You can have the Cart I'll take the Smart. It has Heat AC and a BMW designed Race Car Safety Cage- And no this is for TV not out on the Interstates

Yes they Shed Plastic Body parts when hit as designed but the occupants are in the Cage safer than a Cart! And you can replace them yourself.

Something I have to think about!:ohdear:

Can you take them on the golf courses?:popcorn:

[Pturner]

Hate to hear of any incident that could have and should have been avoided.Hope no one was seriously hurt in todays accident. Not knowing all the danger spots can someone post areas that visitors need to be extra cautious at...We have an upcoming LSP in alittle over a week and with the need to venture out and see all we can, any advice on what routes to especially be cautious in or to totally avoid?
Thank You..

Hi USNRet92,
Welcome! Have a wonderful time on your LSP. In my mind, there aren't so much dangerous intersections as there are dangerous drivers, and very busy intersections, especially this time of year.

If you are not familiar with roundabouts, here's a good brochure to read in advance: http://www.districtgov.org/PdfView/PdfView.aspx?path=%27/PdfUpload/RoundaboutBrochure. You might have to copy and paste this link into your browser.

Remember to treat the roundabouts like other intersections. For example:


The first exit is the same as making a right turn. Do it from the right lane.
The second exit goes straight through (i.e., takes you onto the same road from which you entered). Do it from either lane (being sure from the left lane that there is not a car beside you on your right.)
The third exit is the same as making a left turn. Do it from the left lane (being sure there in not a car beside you on your right.)
Always use your blinker to indicate when you plan to exit.

How do you make sure there is not a car in the right lane beside you when you are in the left lane? EASY. Do not drive side-by-side with another car within the roundabout/intersection. Always stagger.


The accident mentioned by Shrandell above was at an intersection feeding into/out of the LSL town square area. There is a four-way stop sign, so it should be safe. From the post, it sounds like perhaps the accident happened around lunch time when the area can get very crowded.


If you drive defensively and assume the other guy might not, you'll be fine.


Please let us know how you enjoyed your visit. And if you have any more questions, just ask.

[CarGuys]

Can you take them on the golf courses?:popcorn:

Thats the bad part but we don't as of yet play golf. Many get two carts she was thinking one cart for golf and the trails and a used Smart for Two convertible for the Villages or outer roads.

We are not going the Street Legal Cart direction- That is not worth it for us. Might as well register the Smart Car you goota pay insurance anyway.

I have a freind in Spanish springs that loves his Smart See Pic in front of our new home
1277

[Bogie Shooter]

Hate to hear of any incident that could have and should have been avoided.Hope no one was seriously hurt in todays accident. Not knowing all the danger spots can someone post areas that visitors need to be extra cautious at...We have an upcoming LSP in alittle over a week and with the need to venture out and see all we can, any advice on what routes to especially be cautious in or to totally avoid?
Thank You..

Do you have a list like this where you live now? It is not as bad as some make it out to be. Come, enjoy and don't worry!

[gage405]

And I have seen Smart Cars park on the streets the way golf carts do....
they take up about the same amount of space it seems....just pull in
straight to the curbing and take up half of a space marked for a car.

[momesu]

And I have seen Smart Cars park on the streets the way golf carts do....
they take up about the same amount of space it seems....just pull in
straight to the curbing and take up half of a space marked for a car.

I saw a smart car parked like that the other day. It was next to a 4 seater golf cart. Guess which was the larger vehicle...........
Suzanne

[CarGuys]

It was the four Seater.

Right now Smart has a Electric but the price to lease ( You can't buy! ) is terrible. Like $600 a month + or -

I would Love the Electric however the Gas works. Fun Car to drive unless you are on a hig speed road and the winds blow up. Under 65 handles well.

Village Parking is gettng worse. The Smart works well in Europe as they can be parked like the Carts or Harleys and make room for others.

[Barefoot]

We are not going the Street Legal Cart direction- That is not worth it for us. Might as well register the Smart Car you goota pay insurance anyway.

I have a freind in Spanish springs that loves his Smart See Pic in front of our new home
1277

How does the price of a Smart Car compare to the cost of a Street Legal Cart?

[Barefoot]

How does the price of a Smart Car compare to the cost of a Street Legal Cart?

I just googled a two person Smart Car ...$15,000 to $18,000. Not a bad price, but a bit more than four person Street Legal Cart.

[BritParrothead]

There is a smart car dealership near to where I live. There are many, many of them in my town.
I was driving on the M 1 (interstate) a while ago, going from London to York, I was passed by 2 smart cars thst were racing each other, I was doing 75, so goodness knows what they were doing!!
If you want a smaller car, Mercedes do a similar car to smart cars, but they look better

[hedoman]

I can't believe there aren't more accidents here. On the paths golf carts that take their half out o the middle are close to going head on. I can't believe I havn't seen more head on cart to cart collisions at night but it's not even crowded yet, give it time. They need a real light at Sonny's. The roundabouts are a joke as I've had near collisions with somebody in the cnter circle making a right turn cutting me off and exiting the roundabout. NO turn signals on roads or paths many times. People just having to prove they have a faster cart on the paths. Not paying attention, too distracted and in too big of a hurry.

Yesterday some dude was riding his bike on El Camino Real into the roundabout to Buena Vista. Just pedaling slowly with the paths just yards away! That's just rude!

This keeps up and the natural "thinning of the herd" will take place and innocent people will get hurt. Wake up Villagers!

[jblum315]

went into Sumter for doc's appointment, (one o'clock) and saw emergency crews, fire truck etc., blocking the road at the 4 way stop by Sony's at Canal and Old Camp. It is such a dangerous intersection that I avoid it at all costs, and cross Canal where the cart path croses Canal, and detour up to Sweet Bay parking lot. Hope there were no serious injuries, but the equipment vehicals were still there when I left the doc's office several hours later. :(

That 4-way stop is so treacherous, especially coming right after a roundabout. It chills me every time I drive there. Should be a light, or a right-turn-only

[THE NEWCOMER]

Be careful, SMART CARS require PREMIMUM GASOLINE! :eek:

[graciegirl]

Hi USNRet92,
Welcome! Have a wonderful time on your LSP. In my mind, there aren't so much dangerous intersections as there are dangerous drivers, and very busy intersections, especially this time of year.

If you are not familiar with roundabouts, here's a good brochure to read in advance: http://www.districtgov.org/PdfView/PdfView.aspx?path=%27/PdfUpload/RoundaboutBrochure. You might have to copy and paste this link into your browser.

Remember to treat the roundabouts like other intersections. For example:


The first exit is the same as making a right turn. Do it from the right lane.
The second exit goes straight through (i.e., takes you onto the same road from which you entered). Do it from either lane (being sure from the left lane that there is not a car beside you on your right.)
The third exit is the same as making a left turn. Do it from the left lane (being sure there in not a car beside you on your right.)
Always use your blinker to indicate when you plan to exit.
How do you make sure there is not a car in the right lane beside you when you are in the left lane? EASY. Do not drive side-by-side with another car within the roundabout/intersection. Always stagger.


The accident mentioned by Shrandell above was at an intersection feeding into/out of the LSL town square area. There is a four-way stop sign, so it should be safe. From the post, it sounds like perhaps the accident happened around lunch time when the area can get very crowded.


If you drive defensively and assume the other guy might not, you'll be fine.


Please let us know how you enjoyed your visit. And if you have any more questions, just ask.

THIS POST NEEDS TO BE PRINTED and reread and reread by everyone.
Excellent advice PTurner!!

[Dirigo]

Hi USNRet92,
Welcome! Have a wonderful time on your LSP. In my mind, there aren't so much dangerous intersections as there are dangerous drivers, and very busy intersections, especially this time of year.

If you are not familiar with roundabouts, here's a good brochure to read in advance: http://www.districtgov.org/PdfView/PdfView.aspx?path=%27/PdfUpload/RoundaboutBrochure. You might have to copy and paste this link into your browser.

Remember to treat the roundabouts like other intersections. For example:


The first exit is the same as making a right turn. Do it from the right lane.
The second exit goes straight through (i.e., takes you onto the same road from which you entered). Do it from either lane (being sure from the left lane that there is not a car beside you on your right.)
The third exit is the same as making a left turn. Do it from the left lane (being sure there in not a car beside you on your right.)
Always use your blinker to indicate when you plan to exit.

How do you make sure there is not a car in the right lane beside you when you are in the left lane? EASY. Do not drive side-by-side with another car within the roundabout/intersection. Always stagger.


The accident mentioned by Shrandell above was at an intersection feeding into/out of the LSL town square area. There is a four-way stop sign, so it should be safe. From the post, it sounds like perhaps the accident happened around lunch time when the area can get very crowded.


If you drive defensively and assume the other guy might not, you'll be fine.


Please let us know how you enjoyed your visit. And if you have any more questions, just ask.

Well done PT. Never heard it put that way before. Very easy to understand and remember.

Thanks!

[Dirigo]

Do you have a list like this where you live now? It is not as bad as some make it out to be. Come, enjoy and don't worry!

I have a list where I used to live. I have only had two accidents and an adult that were my fault (one no damage, one about $5K damage) were in the exact same spot. Many, many others have had accidents there also as it is the area with the most collisions in the State of Maine. I go WAY out of my way to avoid that intersection.

I have a short list for TV also and avoid those areas when I can or take the car instead of the cart.

I wonder if one could drive an unregistered Smart on the multi-modal paths, and on streets if they stayed below 20mph ;)

[getdul981]

I wonder if one could drive an unregistered Smart on the multi-modal paths, and on streets if they stayed below 20mph ;)

NO!!!

[Happinow]

Thats the bad part but we don't as of yet play golf. Many get two carts she was thinking one cart for golf and the trails and a used Smart for Two convertible for the Villages or outer roads.

We are not going the Street Legal Cart direction- That is not worth it for us. Might as well register the Smart Car you goota pay insurance anyway.

I have a freind in Spanish springs that loves his Smart See Pic in front of our new home
1277

I've thought of the Smart Car myself. It certainly would give some protection in case of an accident.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have a list where I used to live. I have only had two accidents and an adult that were my fault (one no damage, one about $5K damage) were in the exact same spot. Many, many others have had accidents there also as it is the area with the most collisions in the State of Maine. I go WAY out of my way to avoid that intersection.

I have a short list for TV also and avoid those areas when I can or take the car instead of the cart.

I wonder if one could drive an unregistered Smart on the multi-modal paths, and on streets if they stayed below 20mph ;)

The thought having to check some list before leaving my home in my car does not make any sense to me. Why should I have to alter my route because a couple of idiots ran into each other at a particular intersection? If one is so fearful of driving they should not be driving.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

The key thing to me is part of what pturner stated and what others in the past have stated as well: I don't travel through a roundabout next to another vehicle.

Bill :)

[Bogie Shooter]

The key thing to me is part of what pturner stated and what others in the past have stated as well: I don't travel through a roundabout next to another vehicle.

Bill :)

If the Yield sign is observed, on entering the roundabout, that wouldn't happen. Wonder how many people even know there is a Yield sign?

[Mikeod]

If the Yield sign is observed, on entering the roundabout, that wouldn't happen. Wonder how many people even know there is a Yield sign?
I suspect some see the yield sign and treat it like a yellow light. SPEED UP and beat the other guy to the roundabout! I find it a lot easier to navigate the roundabouts if I simply approach them with the anticipation I will have to yield, not the attitude that I'll only yield if I absolutely have to.

[Indydealmaker]

:agree:THIS POST NEEDS TO BE PRINTED and reread and reread by everyone.
Excellent advice PTurner!!

:agree:

[BigLew]

Thats the bad part but we don't as of yet play golf. Many get two carts she was thinking one cart for golf and the trails and a used Smart for Two convertible for the Villages or outer roads.

We are not going the Street Legal Cart direction- That is not worth it for us. Might as well register the Smart Car you goota pay insurance anyway.

I have a freind in Spanish springs that loves his Smart See Pic in front of our new home
1277

before I touched or rode in a smart car, I'd read this:

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Smart_ForTwo/Safety/

here they talk about the additional safety testing where it was tested in crashes against mid-sized cars (normal testing for safety rating is in crashes with like sized cars), I'll give you a preview....it went airborne rotated 450 degrees and showed 'significant' intrusion in the passenger area...nope not for me. This was also done with the FIT and Yaris who didn't fare much better, however neither of these became airborne like the smart fortwo.

[BigLew]

If the Yield sign is observed, on entering the roundabout, that wouldn't happen. Wonder how many people even know there is a Yield sign?

based on observation most people don't have a clue as to what a yield sign means, they either treat it as a stop sign, which it isn't, or disregard it entirely...along with the solid and broken lines in the roundabout!

maybe this is the way to go! :crap2:

[billethkid]

there is nothing dangerous or treacherous about a 4 way stop...only the incompetent drivers who come here and think they can blow through stop signs, ignore all other signs and excede the speed limit.

It is the "me first" at all costs drivers here in TV.

The only cure = more cops and lots more tickets....LOTS MORE TICKETS!!!!!

btk

[SgtJohn]

I have been at two accident scenes where a Smart Car was involved. Neither involved high speeds. Neither was injury free for the driver of the Smart Car. They should rename it to the "Not so Smart Car".

[Indydealmaker]

The thought having to check some list before leaving my home in my car does not make any sense to me. Why should I have to alter my route because a couple of idiots ran into each other at a particular intersection? If one is so fearful of driving they should not be driving.

No Way To Treat A Neighbor.

[Bogie Shooter]

there is nothing dangerous or treacherous about a 4 way stop...only the incompetent drivers who come here and think they can blow through stop signs, ignore all other signs and excede the speed limit.

It is the "me first" at all costs drivers here in TV.

The only cure = more cops and lots more tickets....LOTS MORE TICKETS!!!!!

btk

Same explanation for why placing a traffic light at the intersection in question would not make it any safer.

[Bogie Shooter]

No Way To Treat A Neighbor.

???

[collie1228]

Pturner's post is the best two-lane roundabout explaination that I've seen yet. I always stay in the right lane if I'm going straight through the interestion (staying on the same street), and wonder why anyone would use the option of moving to the left lane if they are going straight through. I will already have yielded to any cars already in the roundabout, so the right lane should be available to me. And if I remain in this lane, there is no chance of me hitting another vehicle when I exit. Am I missing something here?

[Flip Flop Forever]

We were leaving Too Jay's while the fire truck and ambulance were there. The problem was not an accident, but a suspected heart attack. Has anyone heard how the patient is doing? My best wishes are with the victim and his/her family.

[Mikeod]

Pturner's post is the best two-lane roundabout explaination that I've seen yet. I always stay in the right lane if I'm going straight through the interestion (staying on the same street), and wonder why anyone would use the option of moving to the left lane if they are going straight through. I will already have yielded to any cars already in the roundabout, so the right lane should be available to me. And if I remain in this lane, there is no chance of me hitting another vehicle when I exit. Am I missing something here?
Nope. The only way you could be hit is if someone doesn't yield coming from the road to your right.

[Bogie Shooter]

We were leaving Too Jay's while the fire truck and ambulance were there. The problem was not an accident, but a suspected heart attack. Has anyone heard how the patient is doing? My best wishes are with the victim and his/her family.

Wow! 37 responses to the first post that was speculation that there was an accident. 25 solutions to a problem that does not exist. Only on TOTV.

[CarGuys]

before I touched or rode in a smart car, I'd read this:

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Smart_ForTwo/Safety/

here they talk about the additional safety testing where it was tested in crashes against mid-sized cars (normal testing for safety rating is in crashes with like sized cars), I'll give you a preview....it went airborne rotated 450 degrees and showed 'significant' intrusion in the passenger area...nope not for me. This was also done with the FIT and Yaris who didn't fare much better, however neither of these became airborne like the smart fortwo.

They cannot produce a Vehicle that does not pass cash testing. Now if you get hit by a Semi in anything your done. But I live life a little different than most. Called 7k miles cross country on a Harley and all if a sudden a Smart looks pretty good compared to that.

I will not argue on a high speed open road . I am talking below 55 as a scoot arounr vehicle for my wife vs gettin hit in a Golf Cart. I'll take the Smart or a Focus over that. In fact unless your in a suburban you gonna get hurt in a head on. Watch the Cage protect.

Watch the Chevy Van fold up //www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kuSghb7P7U&feature=related



[Smart Car the car cage held the front folded like designed as new cars all must do. - Car Dies Person might not. that is the Goal

ghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz-s1sIoLhU

Harley's -Golf Carts-Road Bikes do not crash test well.

Regards- CarGuys

[graciegirl]

They cannot produce a Vehicle that does not pass cash testing. Now if you get hit by a Semi in anything your done. But I live life a little different than most. Called 7k miles cross country on a Harley and all if a sudden a Smart looks pretty good compared to that.

I will not argue on a high speed open road . I am talking below 55 as a scoot arounr vehicle for my wife vs gettin hit in a Golf Cart. I'll take the Smart or a Focus over that. In fact unless your in a suburban you gonna get hurt in a head on. Watch the Cage protect.

Watch the Chevy Van fold up //www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kuSghb7P7U&feature=related



[Smart Car the car cage held the front folded like designed as new cars all must do. - Car Dies Person might not. that is the Goal

ghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz-s1sIoLhU

Harley's -Golf Carts-Road Bikes do not crash test well.

Regards- CarGuys


CAR!!!!

You rode seven thousand miles across country on a Harley..................

And YOU are worried about the water??????:shrug::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[CarGuys]

Four Times coast to coast. Average trip 3.5 weeks and 7k miles

Didn't want to ride that far but kept riding looking for good water.

Good point Gracie. And were did you an I settle in a swamp.

My water worries are gone, TV is running out so now it's the Sink hole deliemas.

Last night while getting quotes We were informed by TV insurance and AAA insurance rates are going up coverage might not be available in the future.

The Sky is falling -The Sky is falling- The Sky is- falling.

Morning Gracie I enjoy your humor so much. Have another great day in Paradise TV must look nice at Christmas!

H