A New Driving Concern: Tailgating thru Gates.

[Bogie Shooter]

What do you do, if anything, when someone gets very close to the rear of your car and follows you thru the gate with out stopping and activating the gate themselves?
I have thought of a sudden stop...............but don't won't the hassle of getting my car fixed.

[RedChariot]

What do you do, if anything, when someone gets very close to the rear of your car and follows you thru the gate with out stopping and activating the gate themselves?
I have thought of a sudden stop...............but don't won't the hassle of getting my car fixed.

Are we not supposed to wait as each car goes thru the gate. Sign says gate closes. No one waits. They are on your tail. Including all the service trucks. Why do so many refuse to follow the rules? We stop and allow gate to close and then go thru.

[Barefoot]

What do you do, if anything, when someone gets very close to the rear of your car and follows you thru the gate with out stopping and activating the gate themselves?
I have thought of a sudden stop...............but don't won't the hassle of getting my car fixed.

We do use our card to enter gates. However it doesn't bother me at all if someone follows me through. After all, it's only a "pretend" security system. I'm curious, Bogie, why do you care if someone follows your car through the gate and doesn't use their card?

[Bogie Shooter]

We do use our card to enter gates. However it doesn't bother me at all if someone follows me through. After all, it's only a "pretend" security system. I'm curious, Bogie, why do you care if someone follows your car through the gate and doesn't use their card?

Not because of security. Just wrong. What if I had to stop suddenly?
I think people are just too lazy to stop and card the gate.

[cgalloway6]

The biggest reason is breaking the gate arms. There is some video of cars and carts trying to sneak through, hitting the arms and breaking them off. I seem to remember they were looking for the perps and if you recognized one to call in to have them pay for the repair.

[billethkid]

it bothers me as well....because it is a stated and posted directive!!!!

There are far too many in society in general and especially so here in TV who just arbitrarly pick and choose which rules they want to follow or not. It is not fair to those of us who do follow the rules.

When I get a bumper hugger on my tail I go through the gate as slow as possible....sometimes I will stop under the gate (it will not come down while a vehicle is present) then I politely hold my card out the window for the rule breaking tail gater to get the message.

All that is usually accomplished is I get tail gated the rest of the way......because yes, I am in the minority who follows the speed sign rules too.

I do look forward to getting rammed one of these days.....do I ever....can't hardly wait....I do hope they are well insured because they are going to need it!!!!

I suppose I will be viewed as the bad guy for behaving as above....please remember, if it matters....we are talking about why is it OK for some to ELECT not to follow the rules......not reason why what they did should or should not bother anybody. Big rules, small rules....are the rules!!

btk

[Barefoot]

Not because of security. Just wrong. What if I had to stop suddenly? I think people are just too lazy to stop and card the gate.

I agree that people are too lazy to card the gate. It doesn't bother me when people follow me through. As you said, it's not a security issue. When people "tail gate" me, I don't worry about making immediate turns or stopping suddenly since we are all driving very very slowly, and they back off immediately.

But you're right, it is wrong and "against the rules".

[Arctic Fox]

When I get a bumper hugger on my tail I go through the gate as slow as possible....sometimes I will stop under the gate
All that is usually accomplished is I get tail gated the rest of the way

They are unquestionably in the wrong, but doing the above is wrong too

Going slowly through the gate and stopping is holding everybody up, not just the person immediately behind you

and annoying that person so much that he then tailgates you the rest of the way is dangerous for other road users

Just be happy knowing that you are doing the right thing, and let the gate cameras take care of the rest

[JoeC1947]

No one has ever tailgated me through a gate but why should I care if they do?
Stopping short to annoy them wouldn't do anyone any good. Let it go.

[George Bieniaszek]

Bogie has a valid point regarding stopping suddenly. Not so that you can have the extra headache of trading paperwork due to a collision, but because golf carts cross at these gate crossings. If a golf cart driver misjudges the gate opening and dashes across, the car may have to brake suddenly to avoid hitting them, especially when the gates open independent of eachother.

This is my third winter here in The Villages and just my observations, the driving here is the worse ever. Driving home from Colony Plaza today, I saw 2 golf carts driving on the sidewalk by the Duval Pool. Someone has to explain that one to me.

[eremite06]

No one has ever tailgated me through a gate but why should I care if they do?
Stopping short to annoy them wouldn't do anyone any good. Let it go.

Yeah, let it go. If you let every little aggravation get to you on the road You're going to die young and before your time.

I drove fire trucks for 30 years and have seen every discourtesy you can imagine. Most of them flagrant disregard for traffic laws involving emergency vehicles. We had to move on and respond to the emergency. The violators were long gone. Used to get headaches on the job probably due to high blood pressure and stress.

Now I try to decompress and not let people get to me. Don't be confrontational. Road rage will get you nowhere.:cus:

[JoeC1947]

Bogie has a valid point regarding stopping suddenly. Not so that you can have the extra headache of trading paperwork due to a collision, but because golf carts cross at these gate crossings. If a golf cart driver misjudges the gate opening and dashes across, the car may have to brake suddenly to avoid hitting them, especially when the gates open independent of eachother.

This is my third winter here in The Villages and just my observations, the driving here is the worse ever. Driving home from Colony Plaza today, I saw 2 golf carts driving on the sidewalk by the Duval Pool. Someone has to explain that one to me.

When you come through a gate you should be going very slow and proceeding with the utmost caution so, if you're paying attention, you should never have to stop short. Visibility is very good around the gates so there should be no surprises if you're expecting one. I would think it would be way more of a problem with carts crossing the road where cars don't have to stop and are traveling at 25-30 mph.

[Xavier]

I agree that people are too lazy to card the gate. It doesn't bother me when people follow me through. As you said, it's not a security issue. When people "tail gate" me, I don't worry about making immediate turns or stopping suddenly since we are all driving very very slowly, and they back off immediately.

But you're right, it is wrong and "against the rules".

Darn, I was ready to be right on your bumper when you crossed the border going home. Now I'll have to carry my Passport! Yeah, I know it would be a security issue. :laugh:

Xavier

[coffeebean]

it bothers me as well....because it is a stated and posted directive!!!!.......


btk

I don't take those signs as a "directive". I take those signs to be a warning to let folks know that if the gate happens to hit their car on the way down, "WE WARNED YOU!!!"

[coffeebean]

Is it OK to keep the gate in the open position on the way out (not needing to use a card to open the gate)? I see folks do that all the time, myself included. It's not a tail gating situation but I don't see the gate closing at all when there is a line of cars waiting to make an exit at the gate.

[coffeebean]

Bogie has a valid point regarding stopping suddenly. Not so that you can have the extra headache of trading paperwork due to a collision, but because golf carts cross at these gate crossings. If a golf cart driver misjudges the gate opening and dashes across, the car may have to brake suddenly to avoid hitting them, especially when the gates open independent of each other.

This is my third winter here in The Villages and just my observations, the driving here is the worse ever. Driving home from Colony Plaza today, I saw 2 golf carts driving on the sidewalk by the Duval Pool. Someone has to explain that one to me.

Some folks on this board think I'm a menace on the roads here in the TV (see the RAB thread), but I guarantee you, I'm not guilty of this one!!! I don't drive a golf cart.

[PJOHNS2654]

:cus:Are we not supposed to wait as each car goes thru the gate. Sign says gate closes. No one waits. They are on your tail. Including all the service trucks. Why do so many refuse to follow the rules? We stop and allow gate to close and then go thru.

I thought the "Me Generation were a little younger than most TV residents. I frequently travel via car on Avenida Central. The four way stop sign at Del Mar is out of hand. Many golf cart drivers think that it is ok to cross Avenida Central in Twos or Threes instead of waiting their turn. All this to wait in line to get through the Del Mar Gate.:cus:

[surfergirlov]

Perhaps the car that tailgated misplaced their gate card and didn't realize it until they were in the long line to enter. People really need to lighten up.

[Xavier]

Perhaps the car that tailgated misplaced their gate card and didn't realize it until they were in the long line to enter. People really need to lighten up.

Then they would simply push the button. Enablers are those who make excuses for others.

Xavier

[tzangrilli]

The gates are not for security alone, they are mostly there as a traffic control device just like a traffic light or stop sign. I have been at a few different club meetings where Mike Tucker or Scott Wilder have been the speakers and explained their purpose. It is for safety as most gates have a cart crossing behind them. Walkers, golf carts, skaters, bicycles, etc. will be able to cross when the gate is down to car traffic.
PS --- there is a 5 MPH speed sign at each gate that unfortunately most everyone ignores.

[Shimpy]

Are we not supposed to wait as each car goes thru the gate. Sign says gate closes. No one waits. They are on your tail. Including all the service trucks. Why do so many refuse to follow the rules? We stop and allow gate to close and then go thru.

I watched a motorcycle cop yesterday enter St. Charles @ Buena Vista by riding the bumper of the car in front of him.
By the way, he has been in this area all week and several days ago saw him on Buena Vista just south of Bailey way off the road hiding under a tree almost invisible. I pulled my cart over to watch how long it would take for him to go after a speeder and it was less than a minute.

[CFrance]

I watched a motorcycle cop yesterday enter St. Charles @ Buena Vista by riding the bumper of the car in front of him.
By the way, he has been in this area all week and several days ago saw him on Buena Vista just south of Bailey way off the road hiding under a tree almost invisible. I pulled my cart over to watch how long it would take for him to go after a speeder and it was less than a minute.

We saw him too, yesterday, and he had someone pulled over on BV. I say good. A lot of the time, people on the forum are asking where the police are while so many motorists are acting like idiots behind the wheel. Well, here's one, and I'm glad.

[tommy steam]

We do use our card to enter gates. However it doesn't bother me at all if someone follows me through. After all, it's only a "pretend" security system. I'm curious, Bogie, why do you care if someone follows your car through the gate and doesn't use their card?

Several times while going thru the gates , I had a golf cart almost zoom across my path. Quite unsettling . Just out of reflex I hit the brake. If a car was tailgating behind me ,I think they would have hit me. I always try to drive defensive. I do know as we'll as many on here , that too many drivers just tailgate around here. This is a retirement community,what's the big rush.

[Down Sized]

Several times while going thru the gates , I had a golf cart almost zoom across my path. Quite unsettling . Just out of reflex I hit the brake. If a car was tailgating behind me ,I think they would have hit me. I always try to drive defensive. I do know as we'll as many on here , that too many drivers just tailgate around here. This is a retirement community,what's the big rush.

Trying to beat the Grim Reaper!!:evil6:

[Bogie Shooter]

Perhaps the car that tailgated misplaced their gate card and didn't realize it until they were in the long line to enter. People really need to lighten up.

Ya right!

[perrjojo]

There are 3 proper ways to open the gate...use your card ..press the button... Or just sit there for 30 seconds and it will open automatically. What's wrong with tail gating? Well, a golf cart may be crossing your path and assuming you will stop. That is the purpose of the gate!

[Billyworld]

Wow, I can't believe how people get their undies twisted from people following through the gate without using their card. If this is the worst thing that happens to you in that month, I would say your life is pretty darn good. I never thought about it but now I will evade the gate just to see how many feathers I can ruffle. barf

[Bogie Shooter]

Wow, I can't believe how people get their undies twisted from people following through the gate without using their card. If this is the worst thing that happens to you in that month, I would say your life is pretty darn good. I never thought about it but now I will evade the gate just to see how many feathers I can ruffle. barf

Keep you foot on your break.............I for one will be testing you!

[HMLRHT1]

If ur in a cart at a gate they will also pull up right along side of u with another cart and wait for u to open it.

[Mikeod]

Wow, I can't believe how people get their undies twisted from people following through the gate without using their card. If this is the worst thing that happens to you in that month, I would say your life is pretty darn good. I never thought about it but now I will evade the gate just to see how many feathers I can ruffle. barf
You do understand it's a safety issue, right? So you will put cars and carts at risk just to prove it shouldn't be an issue? Really? :shrug:

[capecodbob]

If someone tailgates me I consider that an act of aggression. I'll dial 911 and tell them someone is tailgating me and I feel in danger. I also ask the dispatcher if this qualifies for the "stand your ground" law. I get the annoying SOB's plate number and turn it into the police.
No need to get upset. Let the police handle it.

Then treat yourself to a Carnival cruise. Think I'll go on that new cruise called the "drifter". :1rotfl:

Bob

[bluedog103]

If someone tailgates me I consider that an act of aggression. I'll dial 911 and tell them someone is tailgating me and I feel in danger. I also ask the dispatcher if this qualifies for the "stand your ground" law. I get the annoying SOB's plate number and turn it into the police.
No need to get upset. Let the police handle it.

Then treat yourself to a Carnival cruise. Think I'll go on that new cruise called the "drifter". :1rotfl:

Bob

How do you get the plate number of a tailgater with no front plate?:1rotfl:

[graciegirl]

How do you get the plate number of a tailgater with no front plate?:1rotfl:

I don't like tailgaters and honkers. I don't like the Brooklyn salute. I don't like curtsies at stop signs or worse just total ignores. I LOVE courteous drivers

I am a firstborn who likes rule followers as long as they are fun and have a sense of humor.

Hardly anyone likes me for a lot of good reasons.

Oh. I forgot..I am also a moderate. There are two other moderates in The Villages. I haven't met either one.

Need coffee.

Sorry. Venting is good for the soul.

[Regor]

I use my card all the time and if I am following a car, I roll up to the scanner, it beeps and the gate, which is usually just starting to descend, reverses direction. I never come to a stop. I maybe tailgating but the gate system 'told' me to proceed! I guess if my front end meets your rear end because you hit the breaks, we would have to let the law or insurance companies decide who was in the wrong.

[Figmo Bohica]

If someone tailgates me I consider that an act of aggression. I'll dial 911 and tell them someone is tailgating me and I feel in danger. I also ask the dispatcher if this qualifies for the "stand your ground" law. I get the annoying SOB's plate number and turn it into the police.
No need to get upset. Let the police handle it.

Then treat yourself to a Carnival cruise. Think I'll go on that new cruise called the "drifter". :1rotfl:

Bob

You might want to rethink asking about the "stand your ground" law of the dispatcher. Could earn you a 3 year vacation, room board and medical care, provided by the State of Florida. If you really want to know what I am talking about, drop by one of our Cool Gun Club meetings and ask any one of the 200 plus members. They will explain it to you how your mouth can get you in lots of trouble.

[graciegirl]

I use my card all the time and if I am following a car, I roll up to the scanner, it beeps and the gate, which is usually just starting to descend, reverses direction. I never come to a stop. I maybe tailgating but the gate system 'told' me to proceed! I guess if my front end meets your rear end because you hit the breaks, we would have to let the law or insurance companies decide who was in the wrong.

I am NOT trying to challenge you but your statement made me wonder.

I thought a person who ran into someone from the back was ALWAYS at fault, everywhere, for any reason, period and amen. I thought they would cite you for not keeping an assured clear distance.

Am I wrong?

What does it say on the drivers test?

[JoeC1947]

I use my card all the time and if I am following a car, I roll up to the scanner, it beeps and the gate, which is usually just starting to descend, reverses direction. I never come to a stop. I maybe tailgating but the gate system 'told' me to proceed! I guess if my front end meets your rear end because you hit the breaks, we would have to let the law or insurance companies decide who was in the wrong.

You are missing the point of the gates. They are there to regulate traffic and by you not letting the gate come completely down you are not giving the golf carts a chance to cross. It's not a race to see who can get through the gate the fastest. Like those construction signs say on the highway "Give the workers a brake" well....."Give the golf carts a brake"

[tzangrilli]

You are supposed to stop then proceed at the gate even if the gate arm is up. It slows traffic to make a congested area safer.
Imagine the mess if everyone tailgated at stop signs and traffic lights.

[k2at]

Some people should take up golf as they have too much time on their hands.

[CFrance]

I am NOT trying to challenge you but your statement made me wonder.

I thought a person who ran into someone from the back was ALWAYS at fault, everywhere, for any reason, period and amen. I thought they would cite you for not keeping an assured clear distance.

Am I wrong?

What does it say on the drivers test?

What Gracie said.

My friend stopped for an ems coming the opposite direction an a two-lane street, and the person behind her rear-ended her. She said to the cop, It's her fault because she stopped when she didn't have to. She had no reason to stop.

The cop said Ma'am, if she stops to pick her nose and you hit her, it's your fault.

[graciegirl]

Some people should take up golf as they have too much time on their hands.


Aww now K, we are the elders of the world. We HAVE to pontificate. A little harmless passage of time.

Keeps us outa bars.:1rotfl:

[Xavier]

I don't like tailgaters and honkers. I don't like the Brooklyn salute. I don't like curtsies at stop signs or worse just total ignores. I LOVE courteous drivers

I am a firstborn who likes rule followers as long as they are fun and have a sense of humor.

Hardly anyone likes me for a lot of good reasons.

Oh. I forgot..I am also a moderate. There are two other moderates in The Villages. I haven't met either one.

Need coffee.

Sorry. Venting is good for the soul.

I just want to make sure that I'm in the count of moderates?

Xavier

[CFrance]

I don't like tailgaters and honkers. I don't like the Brooklyn salute. I don't like curtsies at stop signs or worse just total ignores. I LOVE courteous drivers

I am a firstborn who likes rule followers as long as they are fun and have a sense of humor.

Hardly anyone likes me for a lot of good reasons.

Oh. I forgot..I am also a moderate. There are two other moderates in The Villages. I haven't met either one.

Need coffee.

Sorry. Venting is good for the soul.

I am a liberal, and you are one of the two nicest moderates I know. My DH is the other one. (See? There's THREE moderates in The Villages!)

Have a good morning and drink lots of coffee :MOJE_whot:

[paulandjean]

I watched a motorcycle cop yesterday enter St. Charles @ Buena Vista by riding the bumper of the car in front of him.
By the way, he has been in this area all week and several days ago saw him on Buena Vista just south of Bailey way off the road hiding under a tree almost invisible. I pulled my cart over to watch how long it would take for him to go after a speeder and it was less than a minute.

The "old" hiding under the tree trick.I have to say they have the most easy job in Florida. Heard one say to another,Where do you run your radar,He says the villages. The other cop could not stop laughing, Yo do mean that retirement community.

[downeaster]

I don't like tailgaters and honkers. I don't like the Brooklyn salute. I don't like curtsies at stop signs or worse just total ignores. I LOVE courteous drivers

I am a firstborn who likes rule followers as long as they are fun and have a sense of humor.

Hardly anyone likes me for a lot of good reasons.

Oh. I forgot..I am also a moderate. There are two other moderates in The Villages. I haven't met either one.

Need coffee.

Sorry. Venting is good for the soul.

How can anyone not like you? Some may not agree with your position but you always state it in a civil manner.

Do the "two other moderates" include me? If not make it three other.

[eremite06]

The "old" hiding under the tree trick.I have to say they have the most easy job in Florida. Heard one say to another,Where do you run your radar,He says the villages. The other cop could not stop laughing, Yo do mean that retirement community.

Cops don't have the easiest job in Florida.

[rayschic]

If someone tailgates me I consider that an act of aggression. I'll dial 911 and tell them someone is tailgating me and I feel in danger. I also ask the dispatcher if this qualifies for the "stand your ground" law. I get the annoying SOB's plate number and turn it into the police.
No need to get upset. Let the police handle it.

Then treat yourself to a Carnival cruise. Think I'll go on that new cruise called the "drifter". :1rotfl:

Bob

I wish everyone would STOP calling 911 for things like this.
Call your local police station, if you want. But NOT 911.
This is not an emergency.
Think about the person that is having a heart attack and can't get thru to 911 because you are wasting their time with this nonsense.
OK, I've vented

[buggyone]

Quote:
Originally Posted by capecodbob
If someone tailgates me I consider that an act of aggression. I'll dial 911 and tell them someone is tailgating me and I feel in danger. I also ask the dispatcher if this qualifies for the "stand your ground" law. I get the annoying SOB's plate number and turn it into the police.
No need to get upset. Let the police handle it.
___________________

I wish everyone would STOP calling 911 for things like this.
Call your local police station, if you want. But NOT 911.
This is not an emergency.
Think about the person that is having a heart attack and can't get thru to 911 because you are wasting their time with this nonsense.

I am sure CapeCodBob was just making a joke when he said he would call 911 if someone tailgated him through a gate. Ditto for his comment about asking about the "stand your ground" law and for turning a tailgater through our gate in to the police.

Like so many others who posted here, I have not had that experience in my 3 years in The Villages but I would not do anything like stop short and hope my car is rammed from the back, would not call the police or 911, would not go super-slow through the gate holding others up - but since it is NOT hurting me, I would just move on with my great day in The Villages - a FRIENDLY hometown!!

[downeaster]

I am NOT trying to challenge you but your statement made me wonder.

I thought a person who ran into someone from the back was ALWAYS at fault, everywhere, for any reason, period and amen. I thought they would cite you for not keeping an assured clear distance.

Am I wrong?

What does it say on the drivers test?

Not always, Gracie. If someone is tailgating and you stop suddenly (to avoid a pedestrian for instance) and tailgater hits you it is his fault. However, if you "provoke" a tailgater into hitting you (which I know you wouldn't do) it is another story. It could become a civil case before a jury and they might no be sympathetic towards the driver who slammed on his brakes for no apparent reason.

All drivers have the responsibility avoiding accidents and not creating situations where they cause them.

I might remind those who provoke other drivers they may have to contend with road rage. They may be "in the right" but if they create an accident involving someone whose temperament leans towards solving problems by violence they may find they have created a much more serious situation. It might be someone just having a bad hair day but it may trigger something serious.

[ddan32162]

I have seen this happen many times. I have been the one in front of a tailgater, and it really annoys me because I, too, feel that a rule is a rule. However, I have also seen a car in front of me tailgate the car ahead of it, and nearly crashed into a golf cart that was crossing the street. Golf carts cannot always see the cars going thru the gate, but they see the gate arms are up and one car comes thru, but cannot anticipate two cars in a row. A very dangerous situation for the golf carts. Breaking the posted rules is a safety hazard. Come on, people, let's just do the right thing here.

[Villages PL]

There's a camera that takes a picture of your car for security purposes, including your license plate. If two, three or four cars go through together, the camera won't get all of the license plates. So, if you tailgate, you're taking important information away from security.

As others have said, "stopping also helps to control traffic". But many people have become so quick at flashing their card the gate never comes all the way down. That's bad for someone who's waiting to cross. I live on a side street that is a few feet beyond a gate. So I come to a stop because I have a stop sign. But then I sometimes wait a long long time because there's often no let up of cars comming through the gate. They don't give the same courtesy as they would at a 4 way stop. Should they?

[gomoho]

There's a camera that takes a picture of your car for security purposes, including your license plate. If two, three or four cars go through together, the camera won't get all of the license plates. So, if you tailgate, you're taking important information away from security.

As others have said, "stopping also helps to control traffic". But many people have become so quick at flashing their card the gate never comes all the way down. That's bad for someone who's waiting to cross. I live on a side street that is a few feet beyond a gate. So I come to a stop because I have a stop sign. But then I sometimes wait a long long time because there's often no let up of cars comming through the gate. They don't give the same courtesy as they would at a 4 way stop. Should they?

If you are asking if the cars and golf carts at the gate should act as a 4 way stop - no way. I've seen someone trying to be nice and telling a cart to go ahead, but the car in the next lane has not intention of stopping. That is an accident waiting to happen. We all like to be courteous, but please don't do it at cart crossings.

[Villages PL]

If you are asking if the cars and golf carts at the gate should act as a 4 way stop - no way. I've seen someone trying to be nice and telling a cart to go ahead, but the car in the next lane has not intention of stopping. That is an accident waiting to happen. We all like to be courteous, but please don't do it at cart crossings.

What I was refering to is not a golf cart crossing. Cars are supposed to come to a complete stop before proceeding through the gate. If they would do that and leave time for the gate to come all the way down before flashing their card, that would give me enough time to enter the main road from my side street. But often they don't do that.

Are you familiar with the Belvedere gate?

[Barefoot]

What I was refering to is not a golf cart crossing. Cars are supposed to come to a complete stop before proceeding through the gate. If they would do that and leave time for the gate to come all the way down before flashing their card, that would give me enough time to enter the main road from my side street. But often they don't do that.

Are you familiar with the Belvedere gate?

Getting onto Belvedere from any side street is challenging in High Season, it's a very busy road. The Belvedere gate doesn't require golf cart drivers to use an entry card. So even if the barrier is down, golf carts can still zip through the gate.