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.