I have to vent!!!!!

[BobnBev]

I was crossing the street today, at LSL, by Panera Bread. I was half way across, in the crosswalk, when this old,AND I DO MEAN OLD,man in a golf cart almost hit me. He never slowed down. I screamed at him, but he never flinched or even acknowledged that I was there. I think I'll buy a paint ball gun.:rant-rave::swear:

[NIPAS K-9]

I was crossing the street today, at LSL, by Panera Bread. I was half way across, in the crosswalk, when this old,AND I DO MEAN OLD,man in a golf cart almost hit me. He never slowed down. I screamed at him, but he never flinched or even acknowledged that I was there. I think I'll buy a paint ball gun.:rant-rave::swear:

well you answered it yourself, you did say old man............ apparently he cant see well and sure cant hear.............. so its up to you to be careful crossing the street and watch out. As we age we dont see or hear as well. Great thing about the .....v.......... is when you are too old to drive a car, you still can drive a golft cart as long as you can crawl into it and push the pedals.

[gomoho]

I like you paint ball gun idea - may sure you get a background check!

[sjdjmd]

My husband and I decided to go for a drive this evening in our golf cart. As we were waiting for the oncoming traffic in all lanes to clear at Old Mill Road, a golf cart pulled up behind us, and the guy kept yelling...Go! Go! He obviously couldn't see all of the traffic. When we got to the driveway at Arnold Palmer, he started yelling again even though he obviously couldn't see the cars and motorcycle that we were waiting on. Finally, my husband pulled over, and as he roared around us, he was still yelling. A very sad, dangerous situation.

[Harleyman]

I learned not long after we started coming to the Villages that it is not safe to cross any crosswalk in the Villages unless my eyes are locked into the eyes of the driver of the vehicle or golf car coming towards me. People are so in la la ville that they just don't pay attention to the crosswalks. I really believe that it is more dangerous to cross a walk in Lake Sumpter than it would be in downtown New York city (although I have never been in downtown New York city.

[Scoops]

If you can't see well or hear well, you shouldn't be behind the wheel of a car or a golf car. Aaaargh.....

[blueash]

I learned not long after we started coming to the Villages that it is not safe to cross any crosswalk in the Villages unless my eyes are locked into the eyes of the driver of the vehicle or golf car coming towards me. People are so in la la ville that they just don't pay attention to the crosswalks. I really believe that it is more dangerous to cross a walk in Lake Sumpter than it would be in downtown New York city (although I have never been in downtown New York city.

Gracie will be here soon.

[Trish Miller]

if you can't see well or hear well, you shouldn't be behind the wheel of a car or a golf car. Aaaargh.....

agreed!!!!!

[skyguy79]

I was crossing the street today, at LSL, by Panera Bread. I was half way across, in the crosswalk, when this old, AND I DO MEAN OLD, man in a golf cart almost hit me. He never slowed down. I screamed at him, but he never flinched or even acknowledged that I was there. I think I'll buy a paint ball gun.:rant-rave::swear:Oh no! Don't tell me that Mr. McGoo lives here in The Villages!!!

http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/192x/6b/b1/4f/6bb14f782e70b89f3f75324cefa08bd3.jpg

[graciegirl]

We have OLD people living in The Villages? Imagine that, next thing you know we will be having retired people too and members of a certain political party.

And there is no Pee in Lake Sumter.

Sigh.

Gracie, the old.

If he annoyed you I will go beat him up but please don't call him old. There are lots of us who are who live here and we are sensitive and surprised. I have no idea how it happened.

[cquick]

Oh no! Don't tell me that Mr. McGoo lives here in The Villages!!!

http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/192x/6b/b1/4f/6bb14f782e70b89f3f75324cefa08bd3.jpg

yes, oh yes, he does! Him and all his relatives!

[tommy steam]

I was crossing the street today, at LSL, by Panera Bread. I was half way across, in the crosswalk, when this old,AND I DO MEAN OLD,man in a golf cart almost hit me. He never slowed down. I screamed at him, but he never flinched or even acknowledged that I was there. I think I'll buy a paint ball gun.:rant-rave::swear:

A water pistol would be fun also.:jester:

[redwitch]

Gracie .. maybe the posse should start standing at crosswalks and take aim at those who are aged challenged (that better?) to get their attention? While we're at it, how about t-shirts that say "there's no Pee in Lake Sumter" (thanks njbeachbum for the oh-so-wonderful idea)?

[graciegirl]

Gracie .. maybe the posse should start standing at crosswalks and take aim at those who are aged challenged (that better?) to get their attention? While we're at it, how about t-shirts that say "there's no Pee in Lake Sumter" (thanks njbeachbum for the oh-so-wonderful idea)?

How about....still alive and kicking but not good drivers?

[Bill32]

I seeeeeeeee old people............................................ ..........I like the ones that blow through the yield sign on the roundabouts with white knuckles looking straight ahead with a look of terror on their face?? Twice I met head on a driver going the wrong way around the roundabout, stimulating but dangerous..........oh..............I am the old people...........

[CFrance]

I learned not long after we started coming to the Villages that it is not safe to cross any crosswalk in the Villages unless my eyes are locked into the eyes of the driver of the vehicle or golf car coming towards me. People are so in la la ville that they just don't pay attention to the crosswalks. I really believe that it is more dangerous to cross a walk in Lake Sumpter than it would be in downtown New York city (although I have never been in downtown New York city.

I have, and you're right.

[casita37]

Well, we knew our neighbors would be OLD when we decided to move here. What we didn't know was how aggressive some drivers would be. I accept that drivers are older and the issues that go along with that, not to mention getting to know your way around, including roundabouts, would be tough on even younger drivers. I have lived most of my adult life in tourist areas, so one learns to be defensive, but that doesn't mean people are stupid or idiots. I'm sure most of you have, at one time or another, been doing your best in an unfamiliar driving situation. Heck, the sales agent even used it as a sales tool that once you can't drive a car any longer, you can get by with a golf cart!

A couple of days ago, I was waiting at the stop sign at Tall Trees and Parr Dr. The guy behind me could not see what I could see. He apparently got frustrated with waiting behind me and went around me on the right side....only to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting the bicycle I had been waiting for. I have also had drivers blow the horn at me, at that same intersection, because I was holding up traffic....the cars behind the lead car cannot see the cross traffic. The landscaping here in TV is lovely, however dangerous, at times.

[ilovetv]

I learned not long after we started coming to the Villages that it is not safe to cross any crosswalk in the Villages unless my eyes are locked into the eyes of the driver of the vehicle or golf car coming towards me. People are so in la la ville that they just don't pay attention to the crosswalks. I really believe that it is more dangerous to cross a walk in Lake Sumpter than it would be in downtown New York city (although I have never been in downtown New York city.

We were taught as kids to never walk out into the street in front of a moving car. I would never step out into a crosswalk with cars coming at me....I don't care WHAT the law says about drivers having to stop for pedestrians IN the crosswalk.

The laws from state to state on that are too inconsistent and they were passed in various years and decades, so not all drivers know they're supposed to stop for somebody who trusts out-of-state drivers to stop for them.

Apart from that, I am constantly amazed at people who LOLLY-GAG around and walk right out in front of moving vehicles without even looking to their right or left! They ask for trouble!

[Golfingnut]

I was crossing the street today, at LSL, by Panera Bread. I was half way across, in the crosswalk, when this old,AND I DO MEAN OLD,man in a golf cart almost hit me. He never slowed down. I screamed at him, but he never flinched or even acknowledged that I was there. I think I'll buy a paint ball gun.:rant-rave::swear:

Could you clarify the almost in almost hit me? i.e. how many inches or feet. Sorry, but before I blame the OLD MAN, I need more facts.

[Barefoot]

.... when you are too old to drive a car, you still can drive a golft cart as long as you can crawl into it and push the pedals.

That is something we all need to remember! :22yikes:

[graciegirl]

Speaking of age and driving golf carts, I have seen a few teens driving here endangering a population not as able to jump outa the way as they used to be.

Heck I have seen a lot of under fifties driving like idiots.:shocked:

Now that I think of it, I see senior drivers of all ages, still old of course, who act like they are on the test track at Daytona.

I am 73 and I am the right age to live here and I try to drive nice.:1rotfl:

I will now use this term in the way it was intended.......

Boy Howdy.

And now that I live here and am learning new things...

Wicked Boy Howdy.

[senior citizen]

well you answered it yourself, you did say old man............ apparently he cant see well and sure cant hear.............. so its up to you to be careful crossing the street and watch out. As we age we dont see or hear as well. Great thing about the .....v.......... is when you are too old to drive a car, you still can drive a golft cart as long as you can crawl into it and push the pedals.

Good post. After all, The Villages does promote itself as a retirement community. Everyone ages and slows down, lose their quick reflexes as time goes by.........fact of life. We will all be there one day......so better to have compassion for the very elderly.

[Lark7]

"Old" is not a four letter word.

[travelguy]

Venting usually gets me into trouble, but I will put in my 2 cents (as usual). I am amazed how many people will give up their driver's license when they get to a point where they think that they should not be behind the wheel of an automobile, but then have no hesitation to get behind the wheel of a golf cart. if your faculties are diminished then you have no business operating a golf cart or any other motorized conveyance (have to think some more about bicycles though.) I don't think that this rant will get me into trouble.

[graciegirl]

Venting usually gets me into trouble, but I will put in my 2 cents (as usual). I am amazed how many people will give up their driver's license when they get to a point where they think that they should not be behind the wheel of an automobile, but then have no hesitation to get behind the wheel of a golf cart. if your faculties are diminished then you have no business operating a golf cart or any other motorized conveyance (have to think some more about bicycles though.) I don't think that this rant will get me into trouble.

You are right of course. And diplomatic as usual.:clap2:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I was riding my bicycle one day and heard a woman yelling, "Can you help me?"
I stopped and saw a woman lying on the ground next to a golf cart in her driveway. I thought that she had had some kind of accident.

I went over and asked how I could help and she said that she was trying to plugged her cart into the charger. I plugged her cart in and help her off the ground. She was very over weight and in pretty poor physical condition.

I asked why she was lying on the ground in an effort to plug in her cart and she explained that she was legally blind. I then asked who drives the golf cart and she replied, "I do. I have to since they took my driver's license away."

Kids that are 14 years old and have no knowledge of the rules of the road are allowed to drive golf carts on public roads. How is this allowed? How can we hold kids, who have never studied the rules, responsible for obeying them?

Is it time to start requiring a license to operate a golf cart on public ways?

[janmcn]

I was riding my bicycle one day and heard a woman yelling, "Can you help me?"
I stopped and saw a woman lying on the ground next to a golf cart in her driveway. I thought that she had had some kind of accident.

I went over and asked how I could help and she said that she was trying to plugged her cart into the charger. I plugged her cart in and help her off the ground. She was very over weight and in pretty poor physical condition.

I asked why she was lying on the ground in an effort to plug in her cart and she explained that she was legally blind. I then asked who drives the golf cart and she replied, "I do. I have to since they took my driver's license away."

Kids that are 14 years old and have no knowledge of the rules of the road are allowed to drive golf carts on public roads. How is this allowed? How can we hold kids, who have never studied the rules, responsible for obeying them?

Is it time to start requiring a license to operate a golf cart on public ways?

There are currently no laws in Florida requiring a license to operate a golf cart on public ways. If you think this should be changed, contact your FL legislator. The FL Legislature will be commencing their annual session soon.

[paulandjean]

There are currently no laws in Florida requiring a license to operate a golf cart on public ways. If you think this should be changed, contact your FL legislator. The FL Legislature will be commencing their annual session soon.

No thank you,

[buggyone]

It would be a good requirement that golf carts would have to be insured for liability - and that the insurance companies would require an eye exam from an eye doctor (opthamologist, optimist, ornithologist, or something like that).

That could be a yearly requirement with the proof of a window sticker. Of course, this would add a department to state government and that is a political hotdog that so many on this forum would object to doing.

[2BNTV]

My guess is ghat some people rush to get where their going because they need to save extra time, so they crawl out of their cart. :jester:

[George Bieniaszek]

My wife and I were golfing with another couple last year and we got to talking throughout the round and she stated that she works for an opthomologist and is amazed as to how many people in The Villages are legally blind or near blind that still drive their cars or golf carts.

That is scary !!! I think I may have to use my golf cart less and start driving my Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel truck more in The Villages!!

[crummybuttons]

They also put their blinkers on and never turn them off. Why? Because their DEAF! I'd go with a taser myself....


I was crossing the street today, at LSL, by Panera Bread. I was half way across, in the crosswalk, when this old,AND I DO MEAN OLD,man in a golf cart almost hit me. He never slowed down. I screamed at him, but he never flinched or even acknowledged that I was there. I think I'll buy a paint ball gun.:rant-rave::swear:

[JoeC1947]

There are currently no laws in Florida requiring a license to operate a golf cart on public ways. If you think this should be changed, contact your FL legislator. The FL Legislature will be commencing their annual session soon.

I don't think the law should be changed. I want to be able to get around when I lose my vision too. :gc::gc:

[graciegirl]

They also put their blinkers on and never turn them off. Why? Because their DEAF! I'd go with a taser myself....

Now Crummy. Hearing loss is not a character weakness.

But, grey hair, baldness, wrinkles and wearing glasses, now they are character weaknesses.

;)

[chas.cooper]

Watch where you walk!

[skyguy79]

There are currently no laws in Florida requiring a license to operate a golf cart on public ways. If you think this should be changed, contact your FL legislator. The FL Legislature will be commencing their annual session soon.I don't necessarily disagree with you... in part at least, but if you think legislating a solution to the problems being discussed here is going to do much to change things, think again!

As I've mentioned before, I worked for the NYS Dept. of Motor Vehicles for most of my working years, and several of them were as a non-adjudicating District Enforcement office manager dealing primarily with registration and driver license suspensions and revocations. Although I have no statistics to back me up, the general belief of our driver improvement analysts, as well as myself, was that a majority of motorists that lost their license continued to drive anyway.

In my office my desk was positioned where I could easily view the parking lot, and numerous time I would see those that were suspended or revoked leave our office, get into their cars and drive away. There were also numerous suspensions for failure to answer a summons that was issued for unlicensed operation.

The most memorable instance was where I had a motorist sit with me for about 45 minutes, described in detail how his life was going to be virtually ruined if he didn't have his license. Of course there was nothing I could do but be courteous and listen to him. When we were through, he thanked me for at least listening. He then left the office, walked to his car in the parking lot where I saw him getting in his vehicle and driving off!

Now, if so many who still drive after losing their license and/or privileges, what would make you think that even more who haven't lost those privileges would pay any attention to whatever new golf cart restrictions were enacted and continue to drive anyway? In IMO, and past experiences, legislative actions would add up to little more than an exercise in futility. On the other hand, seeking legislation could increase some revenues for the government, but will it be enough to cover the increase in governmental expenses. Personally, I doubt it!

[BobnBev]

Could you clarify the almost in almost hit me? i.e. how many inches or feet. Sorry, but before I blame the OLD MAN, I need more facts.

Sure, no problem. He was within 12 inches, and 12 inches at 20mph is well within my comfort zone. It's not like I didn't see him coming and walked out w/o looking, I always look before crossing. I sure don't see why he was speeding in such a congested area. Maybe he was going to see if there was "P" in Lake Sumter.:MOJE_whot::1rotfl::boom:

[BobnBev]

Watch where you walk!

You got that right. There is dog poop everywhere.:1rotfl::D:pepper2::eek:

[graciegirl]

You got that right. There is dog poop everywhere.:1rotfl::D:pepper2::eek:

Yup. A lot of dogs and a lot of old people.

Ain't it nice?

[Ceafolks]

Gracie .. maybe the posse should start standing at crosswalks and take aim at those who are aged challenged (that better?) to get their attention? While we're at it, how about t-shirts that say "there's no Pee in Lake Sumter" (thanks njbeachbum for the oh-so-wonderful idea)?

I want one of those tee-shirts....make that two. :MOJE_whot:

[skyguy79]

Yup. A lot of dogs and a lot of old people.

Ain't it nice?Poop from dogs and old people? :22yikes:

[capecodbob]

I learned not long after we started coming to the Villages that it is not safe to cross any crosswalk in the Villages unless my eyes are locked into the eyes of the driver of the vehicle or golf car coming towards me. People are so in la la ville that they just don't pay attention to the crosswalks. I really believe that it is more dangerous to cross a walk in Lake Sumpter than it would be in downtown New York city (although I have never been in downtown New York city.

You need to visit. I'm sure it will change your mind.

[dkrhardy]

I have not been posting here much, but this one caught my eye. I have had waaaay too many close calls while IN a crosswalk. Old eyes or not, the FL state law is that a pedestrian, IN a crosswalk, has the right of way. It is the law. I am not saying that anyone should step out when there is a car close by, that is not a good idea.
Don

[rubicon]

My husband and I decided to go for a drive this evening in our golf cart. As we were waiting for the oncoming traffic in all lanes to clear at Old Mill Road, a golf cart pulled up behind us, and the guy kept yelling...Go! Go! He obviously couldn't see all of the traffic. When we got to the driveway at Arnold Palmer, he started yelling again even though he obviously couldn't see the cars and motorcycle that we were waiting on. Finally, my husband pulled over, and as he roared around us, he was still yelling. A very sad, dangerous situation.

Sorry to say he saw the traffic. However what he was looking for was to be an eyewitness to an accident and you were it.

[rubicon]

My wife and I were golfing with another couple last year and we got to talking throughout the round and she stated that she works for an opthomologist and is amazed as to how many people in The Villages are legally blind or near blind that still drive their cars or golf carts.

That is scary !!! I think I may have to use my golf cart less and start driving my Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel truck more in The Villages!!

George: The only time I use my golf cart is when i golf and i only pay a couple times a week. Lately I have been walking so I drive my car to the course. I was never that interested with using my cart as a second vehicle.

[rubicon]

It would be a good requirement that golf carts would have to be insured for liability - and that the insurance companies would require an eye exam from an eye doctor (opthamologist, optimist, ornithologist, or something like that).

That could be a yearly requirement with the proof of a window sticker. Of course, this would add a department to state government and that is a political hotdog that so many on this forum would object to doing.

Hi buggyone: I do not have a street legal cart but I have carried full coverage on my golf cart from day one. Insurers do not require an eye exam for operaing an auto why would they for a golf cart? I understand that when you first apply for ianurance they ask for your drivers license number but once you insure they do not often go back and ask again;albeit there could be reasons why they may want to do so.

By the way if you are in an accident and are an unlicened driver it has not material effect on the negligence issue unless there is a direct link between the lack of a license and the cause of the accident and even then that is a maybe( eyesight issue).



The problem with all of the suggestions here are not that they are no good. In fact their an excellent idea. The problem is with continuing enforcement which would be cumbersome and very costly

[Bogie Shooter]

If you can't see well or hear well, you shouldn't be behind the wheel of a car or a golf car. Aaaargh.....

or walking accross the street.

[Bogie Shooter]

There are currently no laws in Florida requiring a license to operate a golf cart on public ways. If you think this should be changed, contact your FL legislator. The FL Legislature will be commencing their annual session soon.

And looking for ways to raise money to give out as business development.

[tucson]

I was crossing the street today, at LSL, by Panera Bread. I was half way across, in the crosswalk, when this old,AND I DO MEAN OLD,man in a golf cart almost hit me. He never slowed down. I screamed at him, but he never flinched or even acknowledged that I was there. I think I'll buy a paint ball gun.:rant-rave::swear:

We're all competing against people with alot of meds in their systems and/or alcohol,etc., bad eyes, hard of hearing,(can't hear you yelling at them,or beeping your horns),SLOW or TOO FAST driving, and/or lack of NOT knowing WHERE they're going,in a hurry to get to the GC on time to golf, and most of all, TOO many people rushing around TV 24/7 !!!!:pray:

[HMLRHT1]

Tucson, I believe it's more like 16/7 here rather than 24/7 but I get ur point

[Deb01]

I walk 6 days a week and cross Stillwater Trail at the crosswalks I have been doing this for years and cars have only stopped for me twice. There are signs letting them know that this is a crosswalk.

[janmcn]

Hi buggyone: I do not have a street legal cart but I have carried full coverage on my golf cart from day one. Insurers do not require an eye exam for operaing an auto why would they for a golf cart? I understand that when you first apply for ianurance they ask for your drivers license number but once you insure they do not often go back and ask again;albeit there could be reasons why they may want to do so.

By the way if you are in an accident and are an unlicened driver it has not material effect on the negligence issue unless there is a direct link between the lack of a license and the cause of the accident and even then that is a maybe( eyesight issue).



The problem with all of the suggestions here are not that they are no good. In fact their an excellent idea. The problem is with continuing enforcement which would be cumbersome and very costly

Don't you have to have a driver's license to get auto insurance? If so, that driver's license requires an eye test. And the older you get, the more frequent the eye test.

[sueandskip]

agreed!!!!!

The hearing part of this statement will never happen because you discriminate the deaf people and there rights under the disabilities act.

[tucson]

Don't you have to have a driver's license to get auto insurance? If so, that driver's license requires an eye test. And the older you get, the more frequent the eye test.

and no tests for driving a golf cart, how scary is this??/:confused::pray: