SMART Car

[buggyone]

I know that I am not alone on this issue.

This morning I was on the Multi-Modal trail that runs alongside Saddlebrook golf course. A SMART Car was on the path. I did a double-take as it was about the same size of a golf cart but was actually a car with a license plate. It was going the opposite direction as I was so I did not get to see where it went.

Naturally, a licensed car cannot be on the Multi-Modal trails - just as it could not be used on a golf course as a golf cart.

What possesses some people to bring a licensed car on the Multi-Modal trails? This was not one of those accidental things where a car accidentally turns on the trail. She had come through the tunnel under 466. There were plenty of places before the tunnel to get off if it had been an accident of getting on.

On the same subject, I was on The Florida Turnpike last week going 70 mph in the car. I saw a SMART Car also going 70 mph. WOW! That is basically having an enclosed golf cart speeding along at 70 in heavy traffic. What would be left of that SMART Car if it were sideswiped by a semi?

[mitchbr47]

"Smart Car" is a good example of an oxymoron.
Efficient but a dangerous ride.

[rubicon]

buggyone: As you may be aware a car on a multi-modal path is unfortunately, a common occurrence.

I suspect it is so for at least for three reasons:

1. the driver is unfamiliar with The Villages and simply gets confused

2. A health issue is causing confusion.

3. The driver forgets he is driving his car and not his golf cart and turns onto a multi-modal path out of habit.

Perhaps other members can reference other possibilities?

[buggyone]

I believe the most likely reason (in my not so humble opinion) is that the driver of the SMART Car has been driving the very small car (approx. same size as a golf cart) on the Multi-Modal trails with no incident and therefore either does not know or does not care that her car is not allowed.

Personally, I was somewhat surprised to see the SMART Car but not angered by it. I chalk it up as seeing something humorous today in The Villages. I chalk my golf game today up to finally learning that marvelous things happen when you keep your head down.

[Chazz]

...On the same subject, I was on The Florida Turnpike last week going 70 mph in the car. I saw a SMART Car also going 70 mph. WOW! That is basically having an enclosed golf cart speeding along at 70 in heavy traffic. What would be left of that SMART Car if it were sideswiped by a semi?

Other than size, there is no comparison between a Smart car and a golf cart, as far as road worthiness. The Smart is required to and, in fact does, meet all federal highway safety requirements. As far as being sideswiped by a semi, I doubt any car would not be totally demolished. Maybe we should all be driving semis!

[Villages PL]

I know that I am not alone on this issue.

This morning I was on the Multi-Modal trail that runs alongside Saddlebrook golf course. A SMART Car was on the path. I did a double-take as it was about the same size of a golf cart but was actually a car with a license plate. It was going the opposite direction as I was so I did not get to see where it went.

Naturally, a licensed car cannot be on the Multi-Modal trails - just as it could not be used on a golf course as a golf cart.

Don't compare a multi-modal trail with a golf course trail. I'm not a golfer but I think golf courses have other reasons for only allowing a certain type of vehicle. If a Smart Car fits on a multi-modal trail, why shouldn't it be there? :duck:

What possesses some people to bring a licensed car on the Multi-Modal trails? This was not one of those accidental things where a car accidentally turns on the trail. She had come through the tunnel under 466. There were plenty of places before the tunnel to get off if it had been an accident of getting on.

Maybe she was just trying it out for the fun of it. Going through a tunnel with a Smart Car seems like it might be fun. Something she can tell her friends about and have a laugh.

On the same subject, I was on The Florida Turnpike last week going 70 mph in the car. I saw a SMART Car also going 70 mph. WOW! That is basically having an enclosed golf cart speeding along at 70 in heavy traffic. What would be left of that SMART Car if it were sideswiped by a semi?

But it was probably safer than a motor cycle.

[mickey100]

If they allow street legal golf carts on the recreational trails, its not that far out to think Smartcars would be allowed. If you're going the required 20 mph, what difference does it make, theoretically speaking? They are small like the street legal carts, just are better enclosed than a cart is. Technically of course they would not be allowed per the rules because they are motorized vehicles that are not golf carts, although I'm not sure the rules on the multi-modal paths can even be enforced.

[kellyjam]

If they allow street legal golf carts on the recreational trails, its not that far out to think Smartcars would be allowed. If you're going the required 20 mph, what difference does it make, theoretically speaking? They are small like the street legal carts, just are better enclosed than a cart is. Technically of course they would not be allowed per the rules because they are motorized vehicles that are not golf carts, although I'm not sure the rules on the multi-modal paths can even be enforced.

And they're air conditioned!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

There is a golf cart that is sold by the Villages Golf Cart man that looks a lot like a Smart Car. Is it possible that it was one of those?

[George Bieniaszek]

My wife and I were driving our cart southbound on the multi-modal path along BV Blvd between Stillwater and Lake Miona Rec Ctr at night during a rain storm 2 months ago when visibility was not ideal. We saw a set of headlights coming at us that looked wider-spaced than a normal golf cart. Turned out to be a Ford Explorer coming at us northbound.

We pulled over and stopped and watched him continue towards Stillwater.

Unbelievable!!!??

[Chazz]

There is a golf cart that is sold by the Villages Golf Cart man that looks a lot like a Smart Car. Is it possible that it was one of those?

That's right! I had seen that golf cart Smart car "impersonator" for sale a while back in Sam's Club, too.

[buggyone]

That's right! I had seen that golf cart Smart car "impersonator" for sale a while back in Sam's Club, too.

It might have been! Thanks for the information.

[Chazz]

It might have been! Thanks for the information.

You're welcome, but I can't take credit. It was Dr. Winston O Boogie Jr's revelation that deserves the credit.

[old moe]

Maybe someone can get the plate # OF THAT NOT SOOO SMART CAR AND TURN IT IN TO THE POLICE BEFORE THE JERK kills SOMEONE. :boom: