Quote:
Originally Posted by Garywt
(Post 2192404)
I know you have all heard every story before but driving around in the cart was interesting. First an impatient driver in front of me fulls out to pass a line of carts when a cart up in front starts to wave people around him, needless to say other carts pull out to pass and the driver in front of me came close to causing an accident. Later I am at a road crossing when I check to see if any cars are coming off a rotary of Buena Vista but instead I see a golf cart coming from the rotary and pull in front of me. Guessing the 2 gents had been drinking or something else as the driving was erratic. Next as following them, someone decides they are going to pass the line of carts but can’t get past all of them so they decide to go left of the upcoming island and pass everyone as we are on the correct side of the island. This is one I have never seen. How this didn’t end in an accident I am not sure. Finally as I got closer to home a cart catches up to me and as I turn from the path to go into a village, this cart heads out onto Buena Vista. Probably just a normal day in the life of a Villager but I found it interesting as we were enjoying our ride. I for one don’t think there should be any passing in a golf cart since they are all suppose to go the same speed but that is not for me to decide.
|
You probably know these types of things (and many others, such as deliberate destroying of golf course turf) are usually ALL blamed on "snowbirds". I do believe that is a high percentage, but certainly not for all. The Villages is a powerful "resort" magnet for vacationers, not just a residential community. The number of Air B&B, and similar type of commercial rental for income, grows everyday. It's a fact. People who come to spend a week, two weeks, a month, for a few thousand dollars, of course are going to look at it like any other all inclusive "resort". Their rental includes a golf cart, they may have never driven a golf cart in their life, many have never played golf, or tennis, or even shuffleboard. They are on vacation and are going to take advantage of "what they are paying for" to the fullest... even things they have never tried before. This does not account for ALL the erratic driving (carts and autos), much is a result of loosened inhibitions (excessive alcohol... many people who are very moderate drinkers, will increase that at a resort, on a cruise, etc. Same here. But I personally do not see ALL of this as a result of the "snowbirds". We definitely have a mix of people; personalities and sense of responsibility differ WIDELY. I don't know how that can be changed. I do not think it possible or practical, given what police are facing presently with shortages, but IF it were possible to "catch" and fine, speeding, reckless, intoxicated, and just plain irresponsible drivers of golf carts, and auto too, I think we would see a decline in this type of "wild" behavior. Sometimes just the "word of mouth" concerning an increase in tickets, fines, a "crack down" as it is called, is enough to result in a significant decrease. On this subject, what about the high number of tandem vehicles, big trucks with one, even TWO trailers attached, consistently driving in the GOLF CART LANES as well as their own lane of the street.. and rarely at or below the speed limit. It's constant on Belvidere, it's a daily thing. Have never seen a single one pulled over and ticketed... maybe it does happen, I just have never been there at the right time to see it. Also the incident on Buena Vista, not far from Laurel Manner. Truck at a very high rate of speed, went out of control, crashed through a CONCRETE WALL, and into the yard of a resident. Personally I think it is well known that reckless driving and speeding is tolerated here. Maybe we would be better off if were were a well known "speed trap".... word about such towns, communities, always gets around, especially with truckers.
