Talk of The Villages Florida

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-   The Villages, Florida, General Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/)
-   -   Gate Posts Improvement ?? (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/gate-posts-improvement-340596/)

DALEPQ 04-14-2023 10:35 AM

Gate Posts Improvement ??
 
It is very common to see the T.V. gate posts knocked down. Virtually every day somewhere.
At times it is hard to see the gate posts in the very bright sunrise/sunset sun.
Recently we visited in Estero, were they have gate posts just like in T.V., but with a big difference!
That is, they have bright Red LED lights on their gate posts. WOW, so much easier (100 x's) to
see when the gate posts are up/down, both in daylight and after dark.
Seems like that would be a great thing to do in T.V., can't believe it would not be that costly.
Not sure how to try to get this done in T.V.??

Bogie Shooter 04-14-2023 10:46 AM

Current District bulletin has latest gate info.
https://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/...20230413001301

Bill14564 04-14-2023 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DALEPQ (Post 2207244)
It is very common to see the T.V. gate posts knocked down. Virtually every day somewhere.
At times it is hard to see the gate posts in the very bright sunrise/sunset sun.
Recently we visited in Estero, were they have gate posts just like in T.V., but with a big difference!
That is, they have bright Red LED lights on their gate posts. WOW, so much easier (100 x's) to
see when the gate posts are up/down, both in daylight and after dark.
Seems like that would be a great thing to do in T.V., can't believe it would not be that costly.
Not sure how to try to get this done in T.V.??

According to the bulletin linked in Post #2, there are approximately 134 gate strikes per month or a little more than four per day. Also, there were nearly as many malfunctions which brings the total to about 8.6 problems each day. With that many incidents it doesn't surprise me that we constantly see a gate down somewhere.

The idea of lights on the gates was raised at the PWAC meeting as recently as this past Monday. The argument against the lights was the cost and the fact that most strikes occur during daylight hours when the lights would be less effective. While the cost per gate might be minimal, the cost for the hundreds of gates throughout the Villages would quickly add up.

Why do gate strikes happen anyway? You mention that they are hard to see but how does that factor in?

- I know there is a gate at each entrance but since I couldn't see it I decided it must not be there and drove through without stopping?

- I know the entrance gate comes down after each vehicle but since I couldn't see it I decided it must be staying up for me and drove through it without stopping?

- The sun was in my eyes and I couldn't see anything so I just drove blindly through the entrance while hoping for the best?

I have noticed that entrance gates are down far more often than exit gates. Is that because exit gates don't always come down between each vehicle so a second car can go through without stopping and without hitting the gate? If so, this just gives more reason to believe that the problem isn't being able to see the gate, the problem is making the choice to go through the gate without stopping.

villagetinker 04-14-2023 11:56 AM

I had personally asked for a YELLOW (or similar bright color) triangle sign to be added to gates so they could easily be seen under ALL lighting conditions. At the time I was told "these are COUNTY roads and therefore subject to FDOT requirements, and because of this the sign could NOT be added" or something very similar, I gave up.
The EXIT gate a Pinellas plaza has a very LONG wait time to closing. I have seen several very close calls as people approaching this gate ASSUME it is stuck up, and continue at speed, barely missing or actually hitting the gate as it is coming down. My point there needs to be CONSISTANCY in the operation of ALL of the gates.
There have been many comments previously about the RED and White gates blending into the background under various lighting conditions. I know this is true, after cataract surgery I have 20/15 vision, and YES these arms do disappear under various ighting conditions.
While the CDDs may have some limited say on the gates, it appears that any major changes need FDOT approval.

Michael G. 04-14-2023 01:22 PM

Most frogs know how these gates work from the number of times that they are coming and going.
That leaves most part-time visitors that are confused.

Honestly, when we first moved here, no body told me there should only be one car at time going
though when the gate is up.

Stonecrest has the lighted gates that seem to work better, but I suppose they get hit also.

MsPCGenius 04-14-2023 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2207272)
Why do gate strikes happen anyway? You mention that they are hard to see but how does that factor in?

- I know there is a gate at each entrance but since I couldn't see it I decided it must not be there and drove through without stopping?

- I know the entrance gate comes down after each vehicle but since I couldn't see it I decided it must be staying up for me and drove through it without stopping?

- The sun was in my eyes and I couldn't see anything so I just drove blindly through the entrance while hoping for the best?

:bowdown:
(Thanks for the giggle)

asianthree 04-14-2023 04:08 PM

Duval Gate at 3am stopped working. Wouldn’t let me out to enter to BV. Just as I was backing out. Community Watch pulled up, and started removing the gate. In all the years we have been in TV, this past year seems to have had more gates stop working,either to enter, or exit.

More importantly I have seen multiple gates, just fall down, in the past year, no need to strike them

Number 10 GI 04-14-2023 05:04 PM

There are gate arms at all the entrances to the different villages. If someone can't remember that, they shouldn't be driving a motor vehicle. A prudent person slows down, stops and waves their card in front of the sensor or pushes the red button. If you can't see the arm at that time, get off the road. It's about 10 feet in front of your face. If you can't see a gate arm at 10 feet, how are you going to see a bicyclist, a golf cart or pedestrian walking along the road? If you can't see a gate arm 10 feet in front of you while stopped, you are selfishly endangering a lot of people. Get rid of the car and get a golf cart.

mntlblok 04-15-2023 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 2207247)
Current District bulletin has latest gate info.
https://www.districtgov.org/PDFView/...20230413001301

We must comply with the Manual
for Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD) standards. MUTCD
requires gate arms to be marked
with alternating red and white 16-
inch sections of reflective tape. We
use Type 2 Retro-reflective Medium
High Intensity, often referred to as
“super engineer grade.” Again, gate
arm visibility is not the major cause
of gate strikes, it is drivers not paying
attention
, speeding and failing to
brake in a timely manner.

Rwirish 04-15-2023 05:03 AM

Gates are way to see. People need to slow down, pay attention and only One car thru the gate at a time ( as posted at each gate ).

luterdan 04-15-2023 05:03 AM

traffic lights instead?
 
Why not just install traffic lights lights like they have on metered highway entrances? One time cost vs continuous replacement (except for bulb costs). If someone runs it, not a problem since nothing gets broken.

dhdallas 04-15-2023 05:18 AM

A simple solution is to add a speed bump and increase the gate strike fine to $1000. TV might as well make some money off these people.

dhdallas 04-15-2023 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2207272)
According to the bulletin linked in Post #2, there are approximately 134 gate strikes per month or a little more than four per day. Also, there were nearly as many malfunctions which brings the total to about 8.6 problems each day. With that many incidents it doesn't surprise me that we constantly see a gate down somewhere.

The idea of lights on the gates was raised at the PWAC meeting as recently as this past Monday. The argument against the lights was the cost and the fact that most strikes occur during daylight hours when the lights would be less effective. While the cost per gate might be minimal, the cost for the hundreds of gates throughout the Villages would quickly add up.

Why do gate strikes happen anyway? You mention that they are hard to see but how does that factor in?

- I know there is a gate at each entrance but since I couldn't see it I decided it must not be there and drove through without stopping?

- I know the entrance gate comes down after each vehicle but since I couldn't see it I decided it must be staying up for me and drove through it without stopping?

- The sun was in my eyes and I couldn't see anything so I just drove blindly through the entrance while hoping for the best?

I have noticed that entrance gates are down far more often than exit gates. Is that because exit gates don't always come down between each vehicle so a second car can go through without stopping and without hitting the gate? If so, this just gives more reason to believe that the problem isn't being able to see the gate, the problem is making the choice to go through the gate without stopping.

Best reply ever! You nailed it!!

bonrich 04-15-2023 05:38 AM

Instead of a round tube gate arm, have a flat arm, pick a width, instead. More to see when approaching, does not blend into the background.

golfing eagles 04-15-2023 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luterdan (Post 2207464)
Why not just install traffic lights lights like they have on metered highway entrances? One time cost vs continuous replacement (except for bulb costs). If someone runs it, not a problem since nothing gets broken.

Except maybe the golf cart or bicycle crossing the road

golfing eagles 04-15-2023 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number 10 GI (Post 2207391)
There are gate arms at all the entrances to the different villages. If someone can't remember that, they shouldn't be driving a motor vehicle. A prudent person slows down, stops and waves their card in front of the sensor or pushes the red button. If you can't see the arm at that time, get off the road. It's about 10 feet in front of your face. If you can't see a gate arm at 10 feet, how are you going to see a bicyclist, a golf cart or pedestrian walking along the road? If you can't see a gate arm 10 feet in front of you while stopped, you are selfishly endangering a lot of people. Get rid of the car and get a golf cart.

Exactly!!!!! And don't forget my favorite: When a gate arm is down and the BIG, RED, OCTAGONAL stop sign is there, motorists actually speed up to run right through it. This is especially fun when that lane's view is blocked by the gate house when you are trying to cross.

Rzepecki 04-15-2023 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2207272)
According to the bulletin linked in Post #2, there are approximately 134 gate strikes per month or a little more than four per day. Also, there were nearly as many malfunctions which brings the total to about 8.6 problems each day. With that many incidents it doesn't surprise me that we constantly see a gate down somewhere.

The idea of lights on the gates was raised at the PWAC meeting as recently as this past Monday. The argument against the lights was the cost and the fact that most strikes occur during daylight hours when the lights would be less effective. While the cost per gate might be minimal, the cost for the hundreds of gates throughout the Villages would quickly add up.

Why do gate strikes happen anyway? You mention that they are hard to see but how does that factor in?

- I know there is a gate at each entrance but since I couldn't see it I decided it must not be there and drove through without stopping?

- I know the entrance gate comes down after each vehicle but since I couldn't see it I decided it must be staying up for me and drove through it without stopping?

- The sun was in my eyes and I couldn't see anything so I just drove blindly through the entrance while hoping for the best?

I have noticed that entrance gates are down far more often than exit gates. Is that because exit gates don't always come down between each vehicle so a second car can go through without stopping and without hitting the gate? If so, this just gives more reason to believe that the problem isn't being able to see the gate, the problem is making the choice to go through the gate without stopping.

Exactly. You know the gate is there, stop and don’t go forward until the gate is up. I live near the Lynnhaven gate. Many, many employees use this gate and it’s down a lot. The employees piggy back other vehicles and crash the gate. Time of day is what distinguishes employee from non-employee traffic. Charter School and Southern Trace Shopping Center employees mostly.

banjobob 04-15-2023 06:29 AM

You nailed it, so many incompetent drivers ,lack of driving skill, drugs, booze, cell phones. Recently was over at Stone Crest and they had installed bright red LEDs the length of the crossing bar making it very visible day or night. Possibility ?

PoolBrews 04-15-2023 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DALEPQ (Post 2207244)
It is very common to see the T.V. gate posts knocked down. Virtually every day somewhere.
At times it is hard to see the gate posts in the very bright sunrise/sunset sun.

While I think the idea of adding a light similar to a stop light is good, I find this comment to be a poor excuse for hitting a gate.

Most people here know that each village has a gate, AND you can certainly see the gatehouse regardless of the viewing conditions. This seems to be a reason given by folks that are inattentive, careless, or shouldn't be driving.

Also, a number of these hits are caused by impatient drivers trying to scoot through with another vehicle, because they don't have time to wait for the gate to descend and lift again for them. I've seen this behavior numerous times at numerous gates.

LonnyP 04-15-2023 06:55 AM

If you cannot see the current gates you really should not be driving.

MandoMan 04-15-2023 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2207272)
According to the bulletin linked in Post #2, there are approximately 134 gate strikes per month or a little more than four per day. Also, there were nearly as many malfunctions which brings the total to about 8.6 problems each day. With that many incidents it doesn't surprise me that we constantly see a gate down somewhere.

The idea of lights on the gates was raised at the PWAC meeting as recently as this past Monday. The argument against the lights was the cost and the fact that most strikes occur during daylight hours when the lights would be less effective. While the cost per gate might be minimal, the cost for the hundreds of gates throughout the Villages would quickly add up.

Why do gate strikes happen anyway? You mention that they are hard to see but how does that factor in?

- I know there is a gate at each entrance but since I couldn't see it I decided it must not be there and drove through without stopping?

- I know the entrance gate comes down after each vehicle but since I couldn't see it I decided it must be staying up for me and drove through it without stopping?

- The sun was in my eyes and I couldn't see anything so I just drove blindly through the entrance while hoping for the best?

I have noticed that entrance gates are down far more often than exit gates. Is that because exit gates don't always come down between each vehicle so a second car can go through without stopping and without hitting the gate? If so, this just gives more reason to believe that the problem isn't being able to see the gate, the problem is making the choice to go through the gate without stopping.

I’ve noticed that when the gates are down, quite a few cars speed right through without stopping. This is very risky for golf carts that may be about to cross. I’m glad we have the bars.

Joecool 04-15-2023 06:55 AM

I am worried there are actually people that drive their car and cannot see the gate and don't know what's in front of them and just drive forward and hope they don't hit anything. Those people should not be driving anymore. If you're going 5 miles an hour and make a complete stop the gate will magically appear in front of you you will see golf carts and people and bicycles. Please slow down if you need sunglasses or antdeclare shades or something do what you need but don't drive if you can't see in front of you

eyc234 04-15-2023 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2207272)
According to the bulletin linked in Post #2, there are approximately 134 gate strikes per month or a little more than four per day. Also, there were nearly as many malfunctions which brings the total to about 8.6 problems each day. With that many incidents it doesn't surprise me that we constantly see a gate down somewhere.

The idea of lights on the gates was raised at the PWAC meeting as recently as this past Monday. The argument against the lights was the cost and the fact that most strikes occur during daylight hours when the lights would be less effective. While the cost per gate might be minimal, the cost for the hundreds of gates throughout the Villages would quickly add up.

Why do gate strikes happen anyway? You mention that they are hard to see but how does that factor in?

- I know there is a gate at each entrance but since I couldn't see it I decided it must not be there and drove through without stopping?

- I know the entrance gate comes down after each vehicle but since I couldn't see it I decided it must be staying up for me and drove through it without stopping?

- The sun was in my eyes and I couldn't see anything so I just drove blindly through the entrance while hoping for the best?

I have noticed that entrance gates are down far more often than exit gates. Is that because exit gates don't always come down between each vehicle so a second car can go through without stopping and without hitting the gate? If so, this just gives more reason to believe that the problem isn't being able to see the gate, the problem is making the choice to go through the gate without stopping.

:bowdown: Oh no it is much easier to blame something or someone else for failing to do what you should be doing!!!! When the arms are broken there is a STOP sign put up and I would guess that 60% or more of the cars do not stop and then there get to be cluster ----'s at the gates with cars and carts. The gate arms are not the problem, people are the problem.

golfing eagles 04-15-2023 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2207482)
Exactly!!!!! And don't forget my favorite: When a gate arm is down and the BIG, RED, OCTAGONAL stop sign is there, motorists actually speed up to run right through it. This is especially fun when that lane's view is blocked by the gate house when you are trying to cross.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MandoMan (Post 2207524)
I’ve noticed that when the gates are down, quite a few cars speed right through without stopping. This is very risky for golf carts that may be about to cross. I’m glad we have the bars.

Gee, I wish I had already posted that as in post #16. Oh, yeah, I guess I did :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

nn0wheremann 04-15-2023 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by villagetinker (Post 2207283)
I had personally asked for a YELLOW (or similar bright color) triangle sign to be added to gates so they could easily be seen under ALL lighting conditions. At the time I was told "these are COUNTY roads and therefore subject to FDOT requirements, and because of this the sign could NOT be added" or something very similar, I gave up.
The EXIT gate a Pinellas plaza has a very LONG wait time to closing. I have seen several very close calls as people approaching this gate ASSUME it is stuck up, and continue at speed, barely missing or actually hitting the gate as it is coming down. My point there needs to be CONSISTANCY in the operation of ALL of the gates.
There have been many comments previously about the RED and White gates blending into the background under various lighting conditions. I know this is true, after cataract surgery I have 20/15 vision, and YES these arms do disappear under various ighting conditions.
While the CDDs may have some limited say on the gates, it appears that any major changes need FDOT approval.

In Sumter, and I presume in Lake counties streets are owned by the county. In Marion County the streets are owned by the property holders, and maintained collectively by CDD 4. Or so I have been told. Nevertheless the inconsistencies in gate operations, roundabout construction and signage, & MMP routing at intersections throughout The Villages is unpleasant, and sometimes dangerous.

golfing eagles 04-15-2023 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nn0wheremann (Post 2207544)
In Sumter, and I presume in Lake counties streets are owned by the county. In Marion County the streets are owned by the property holders, and maintained collectively by CDD 4. Or so I have been told. Nevertheless the inconsistencies in gate operations, roundabout construction and signage, & MMP routing at intersections throughout The Villages is unpleasant, and sometimes dangerous.

I have no idea about Marion County, but I doubt the property owners "own" the streets. If they did, they could make those villages a truly gated community with no obligation to allow access to anyone who is not a resident or an invitee. They would also be paying to maintain those roads separately from the county tax, so color me doubtful. Perhaps Don knows?

RICH1 04-15-2023 07:31 AM

I’ve never hit a Gate Yet…

RICH1 04-15-2023 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2207546)
I have no idea about Marion County, but I doubt the property owners "own" the streets. If they did, they could make those villages a truly gated community with no obligation to allow access to anyone who is not a resident or an invitee. They would also be paying to maintain those roads separately from the county tax, so color me doubtful. Perhaps Don knows?

And that’s How it Should be ! Owning the Streets makes for HIGHER TAXES

dewilson58 04-15-2023 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyc234 (Post 2207532)
:bowdown: Oh no it is much easier to blame something or someone else for failing to do what you should be doing!!!! When the arms are broken there is a STOP sign put up and I would guess that 60% or more of the cars do not stop and then there get to be cluster ----'s at the gates with cars and carts. The gate arms are not the problem, people are the problem.

Double Bingo.

:beer3:

golfing eagles 04-15-2023 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICH1 (Post 2207554)
I’ve never hit a Gate Yet…

Yet????? Are you expecting to hit one in the future???? :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

bluecenturian 04-15-2023 07:44 AM

How about cameras at face level and fines starting at $2500 for damage to the gate. When the “entitled” have to pay significant then will wait their turn instead of trying to piggyback and rushing past the gate box.

golfing eagles 04-15-2023 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluecenturian (Post 2207568)
How about cameras at face level and fines starting at $2500 for damage to the gate. When the “entitled” have to pay significant then will wait their turn instead of trying to piggyback and rushing past the gate box.

News flash----there ARE cameras, 24/7, at every gate. Which, btw, is how they catch the "gate crashers"

Chi-Town 04-15-2023 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DALEPQ (Post 2207244)
It is very common to see the T.V. gate posts knocked down. Virtually every day somewhere.
At times it is hard to see the gate posts in the very bright sunrise/sunset sun.
Recently we visited in Estero, were they have gate posts just like in T.V., but with a big difference!
That is, they have bright Red LED lights on their gate posts. WOW, so much easier (100 x's) to
see when the gate posts are up/down, both in daylight and after dark.
Seems like that would be a great thing to do in T.V., can't believe it would not be that costly.
Not sure how to try to get this done in T.V.??

I have seen gates with the LED lights, and they are very visible for sure. I just wondered how costly it would be to replace them.

golfing eagles 04-15-2023 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chi-Town (Post 2207580)
I have seen gates with the LED lights, and they are very visible for sure. I just wondered how costly it would be to replace them.

Somehow, I think enhancing the visibility of gates for the visually impaired who are driving cars seems to be an oxymoron of sorts. Or does it fit in the category of "enabling"????

wolterp 04-15-2023 09:37 AM

I have noticed both day & night that it’s very hard to see the gate post at many places thru out the Villages !! I expect them and know where they are but someone new to our area should just crash thru them since they are so hard to see. Something needs to b done. More reflections ? or bright paint on them? Something done NOW!

golfing eagles 04-15-2023 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolterp (Post 2207639)
I have noticed both day & night that it’s very hard to see the gate post at many places thru out the Villages !! I expect them and know where they are but someone new to our area should just crash thru them since they are so hard to see. Something needs to b done. More reflections ? or bright paint on them? Something done NOW!

Solution for those that can’t see the gate: Get an eye doctor appointment

Bill14564 04-15-2023 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolterp (Post 2207639)
I have noticed both day & night that it’s very hard to see the gate post at many places thru out the Villages !! I expect them and know where they are but someone new to our area should just crash thru them since they are so hard to see. Something needs to b done. More reflections ? or bright paint on them? Something done NOW!

Entrance gates are broken more often than exit gates so if the problem is visibility then why are the entrance gates so much harder to see?

Or maybe the problem isn't visibility at all. Maybe the problem is a failure to stop and use the card (or button) to open the gate. Maybe it's just easier to sneak through behind the car ahead of you.... except that doesn't always work.

golfing eagles 04-15-2023 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2207646)
Entrance gates are broken more often than exit gates so if the problem is visibility then why are the entrance gates so much harder to see?

Or maybe the problem isn't visibility at all. Maybe the problem is a failure to stop and use the card (or button) to open the gate. Maybe it's just easier to sneak through behind the car ahead of you.... except that doesn't always work.

Which would bring up an interesting poll: What percentage of those that claim the gates are hard to see have actually hit one versus those who have no problem seeing them. Of course, we wouldn't get honest answers and the end would justify the means as well.

Bill14564 04-15-2023 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2207650)
Which would bring up an interesting poll: What percentage of those that claim the gates are hard to see have actually hit one versus those who have no problem seeing them. Of course, we wouldn't get honest answers and the end would justify the means as well.

I had the same thought, particularly about the odds of getting honest answers.

coffeebean 04-15-2023 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G. (Post 2207304)
Most frogs know how these gates work from the number of times that they are coming and going.
That leaves most part-time visitors that are confused.

Honestly, when we first moved here, no body told me there should only be one car at time going
though when the gate is up.

Stonecrest has the lighted gates that seem to work better, but I suppose they get hit also.

There are signs posted at some gates that state the gate comes down after each vehicle.

As and aside and a bit off topic so sorry in advance................

These gates are for traffic control. Today when waiting to go through an entrance gate, I waited for the gate to go up and when the gate did go up, I proceeded to move my vehicle in a forward motion. Low and behold, there comes a golf cart from my right and it passed right in front of me. The woman driver was looking straight ahead and seemed to be oblivious to my vehicle that would have creamed her if it weren't from me hitting my brakes. I had the right of way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With driving like that, she is not long for this world!

Now back to the regularly scheduled programming.


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