Gate arms
 

These ones in Corsica have red lights on them that turn green when the barrier lifts and it is safe to proceed

What a great idea. Since there is already power to lift the arm, this would be easy to add on to the existing arm.

It might or might not be easy. Since this is TV it would be $1000 to install plus the cost of the lights. It would also have to be able to freely break away when hit. There are a good number of gates here. The majority should not have to pay for the minority who hit the gates.

If this is about saving money, my guess is that it won't because the extra cost to replace a broken gate will increase, but there will still be about the same number of gates that get hit.

Perhaps the best way to implement this solution would be for those who feel they are likely to hit the gates to move to Corsica.

But there will be a wire connected to the arm to power the lights, so the wire will be ripped out when you crash the gate...not a good thing.

Quick disconnect cables have been used in industry and home applications for years avoiding damage to equipment appliances and computers

The gate arms are under COUNTY jurisdiction and COUNTY/FLORIDA rules and regulations, I had suggested years ago to simply add a bright yellow triangle to the gate arms and this was shot down by the state.

Villagetinker, I sent you a private message.

The gates get hit because they are hard to see under certain light conditions.

This point has been discussed ad nauseam on TOTV but it's hard to argue that people can see the gates yet still choose to drive through them.

Thus, making them more visible, by whatever means, is bound to reduce the number of hits.

Whether fewer hits of more expensive arms will save money is debatable, but surely it's worth trying a few new ideas (whether it's lights, bigger reflectors, yellow triangles) rather than just sticking with the status quo.

The color blind will be along shortly complaining that they cannot see the color of the lights. :icon_wink:

Could NOT agree more. Thanks V.T. for your efforts.

We both (very rarely, but still) have a bit of difficulty seeing the arms, esp at dusk or very low light. We are very careful, but.

Have always thought a bright STOP sign or Yellow triangle, as you suggest would be valuable. These would not necessarily need to be lit, but bright reflective. I've seen signs like this in a store or two, made of light plastic with plastic waffle weave in the middle for strength. Could be mounted with two screws, in the middle of the arm.

ANYTHING could help visibility.

Hard to believe how ignorant County gvt can be. stupid...

Interesting comment.

Are they ignorant or are they wise enough to follow Federal and State law?

That is doubtful. I have yet to see someone say they hit a gate because they couldn't see it. From what has been reported by the District, seen by other drivers, or recorded in some few video clips, many (most?) gate strikes are due to attempting to get through a gate by following too closely to the vehicle ahead. Visibility isn't going to help when the gate comes down on the top of the vehicle.

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NOT wise at all. Apparently ignorant of the facts. Laws are NOT perfect. And can be overridden, amended, or cancelled. I would like to see the "State or Federal law" that dictates that gates arms in local areas cannot have a light or sign to alert drivers. If there actually is - again - Stupid.

All you have to do is look. Try the MUTCD Section 2B.68

Laws may not be perfect but only a fool would think the Villages or Sumter County can override, amend, or cancel Federal regulations - it just doesn't work that way.

By the way, if you have a good idea that just might be legal, showing up at a PWAC meeting and proposing it is a good place to start and far more effective than calling local authorities ignorant.

Shhh... Don't confuse them with facts...

A majority
 

When, if ever, a majority of folks living in the villages have a problem with the gates changes might be made. As for the minority of whiners about gate problems too bad.

The gates are a marketing tool for TV & also so John & Karen can brag to their friends back home that they live in a gated community (which it isn't). A speed bump would work better.

Now everyone who lives here knows that there is a gate arm when going out and another gate arm coming back. If your dementia is so far advanced that you forget that fact and you need flashing lights and more bright colors to remind you, then you should not be allowed to drive. Wearing "Beer Goggles" doesn't help.

Slow down at the gates, pay attention and only one car thru the gate at a time. Problem solved.

Gates being hit
 

I don’t get it but I’m old. Aren’t there cameras that capture a vehicle that has hit a gate? Are they being hit by contractors with tall bodies, people just cutting through the area or impatient residents ? Seems to be an easy fix IF the cameras actually work.

If you want to see good light gates, visit the Stonecrest community located north of the Walmart on 441. We live in The Villages and have had several dinners at Cheers located within Stonecrest; they usually have live entertainment for dinner.

Its not like its hidden and the approach is 5 MPH.

Bullseye on the beer goggles lol

This problem is solved, do not let your friend drive when blind.

I've been to Cheers a few times, but they still don't know my name.

The only full proof gates I’ve seen were in Sarasota-Bradenton at a gate that is unmanned most of the 24 hours. It had two consecutive gates that were about 20 yards apart, controlled by passes. The 1st would open to go through, but the 2nd would not open until the 1st was completely closed. Supposedly to prevent piggybacking but I’d guess they still get hit at times.

That could easily be solved by using magnetic connectors so the wire disconnects when the arm breaks off.

:agree:

How many sets of gates does Stonecrest have? 1 set for each "village" that are separated by regular roads?

You can't use a golf cart to travel between the "villages" there...

I have a friend who lives in Mirasol, in Palm Beach Gardens. The have the lighted gates. They only have entry and exit gates at two places, both with manned guard shacks, where you have to stop and let them know who you are visiting...

4 sets of gates are a lot easier to manage than the hundreds we have in TV...

How many sets of gates does Stonecrest have? 1 set for each "village" that are separated by regular roads?

You can't use a golf cart to travel between the "villages" there...

I have a friend who lives in Mirasol, in Palm Beach Gardens. The have the lighted gates. They only have entry and exit gates at two places, both with manned guard shacks, where you have to stop and let them know who you are visiting...

4 sets of gates are a lot easier to manage than the hundreds we have in TV...

And their HOA fees are astronomical!

You really think the gates are there so people can brag to their friends back home? Seriously?

And no, a speed bump would not work better...

Yes, the Corsican ones were "doubled"

Why do certain people feel compelled to resort to insults and name-calling?

I have seen contractors drive through gate arms. Must they have advanced dementia?

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂…or they could just open their eyes? Good thing to do while driving, don’t you think?

I would say wise enough to follow the law. It is what it is. I’m sort of at a loss on the whole visibility issue in the first place? We all KNOW the gates are there…even if they are difficult to see in certain light (typically sunset). So STOP 🛑! You know it’s coming…creep up from 25’ back if you must. It’s NOT rocket science people. I drove professionally for 35+ years so, yes, I’m a little impatient when it comes to poor drivers. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE FOR HITTING A FIXED OBJECT! EVER! For any reason. Gates included. SLOW DOWN and learn to drive.

As I alluded to earlier…POOR DRIVERS IN A HURRY.

Get a grip! There is no insult anywhere in the post. It’s called TRUTH. How many loved ones with ALZ have you had to take care of? What the guy said is truth…eventually you have to take their keys! And he doesn’t say that’s the ONLY reason gates are hit, so you trying to link construction workers and dementia is a little off-base.

Seemed like an insult to me. No grip getting needed. I don't see an effort to link construction workers and dementia. Grip getting is needed for that.

You made that suggestion on the other thread on gate visibility ( I should say the most recent other thread) and what I think I learned is that the State of Florida has adopted the Federal rules, which are inflexible in language and dictate the red and white striping we have now.

If I understood some of the further reading correctly, there is an avenue to request permission to "experiment" with other approaches, (I would assume pursuant to approval). But really, my take on it is that since they are county roads, the county would have to foot the bill, and why would they want to?
Furthermore, I think what you and others have stated is probably accurate, that while they could be made more visible with Optic Green or something else, it probably isn't lack of visibility that causes the gates to be hit.