[VillagesFlorida]

I can remember when we could not drive our cart after dusk or before dawn. Golfers were actually ticketed for arriving at the starter shack before it was light enough. What a wonderful day it was when we could "stay out after dark"! I have maintained for a long time that anyone who drives a golf cart on the roads here should be licensed. The "rules" say 14 is old enough. WHAT??? How many 14 year-olds know much about the rules of the road? I think it is ridiculous that these kids can take off in Grandma and Grandpa's cart and not have a clue as to what they are doing. I just hope that we all exercise good judgement when driving our carts or we just might go back to being restricted after dark! Horrors!

[getdul981]

EVERYONE should have to pass a class to be eligible to operate a golf cart. I know when we first got here, we asked if there was anything we should know and the guy that took us to the rental said, nope, just get in and drive. We had to figure out things for ourselves. Thank goodness we had TOTV to help us learn some of the ins and outs about what should and shouldn't be done while driving a cart.

One instance I can think of off hand is we had been here in TV for months before we found out there is a tunnel under CR 103 just before you get to Wal-Mart. We had seen people going up Wedgewood and crossing so we thought that was the way. I don't remember how we found out, but probably here on TOTV. We have seen people doing the same thing and have told them that there is a tunnel and they didn't know about it either.

[uujudy]

When we first rented we checked in at the Sales Office, and we asked the helpful folks behind the desk if there was anything we should know about using the golf cart that came with the house. They were a wealth of information, and gave us the golf cart map so we wouldn't get lost.

I would think that whoever you rent your golf cart from should tell you there IS a free golf cart trail map. Maybe we can spread the word on TOTV?

[paulandjean]

Please no more talk of having a license to drive a golf cart. This is just plain silly. Would your auto drivers license be good enough. This is a very safe place to drive your cart. If you are having problems in your cart maybe its your fault.We do not need studies to tell us where accidents have taken place. Everyone just drive defensive and you will not have any problem. Just what we need here "special license to drive a cart or a bike or under 50 cc motorcycle. Watch what you ask for.

[red tail]

Originally Posted by getdul981

EVERYONE should have to pass a class to be eligible to operate a golf cart. I know when we first got here, we asked if there was anything we should know and the guy that took us to the rental said, nope, just get in and drive. We had to figure out things for ourselves. Thank goodness we had TOTV to help us learn some of the ins and outs about what should and shouldn't be done while driving a cart.

One instance I can think of off hand is we had been here in TV for months before we found out there is a tunnel under CR 103 just before you get to Wal-Mart. We had seen people going up Wedgewood and crossing so we thought that was the way. I don't remember how we found out, but probably here on TOTV. We have seen people doing the same thing and have told them that there is a tunnel and they didn't know about it either.

are you saying everyone should have to take a class because you need one?
lets get serious!!!

[graciegirl]

I guess that it seems that I have always played golf and always driven a golf cart, although our long four seater does require some extra skill.

It requires the same awareness just like driving a car, that another cart hitting you head on is maybe the end of you.

A little fear is a good thing.

Licensing is another issue. Perhaps just your driver license?

[jebartle]

on LSV's?.....They are studying whether LSV's should be allowed to cross 441/27.....We waited 10 minutes for a disabled scooter crossing at the intersection where 441 and 27 divide in Leesburg....We were both very concerned for the gentleman in the scooter on such a BUSY road....Not sure the scooter was going faster than 7 mph....Very very dangerous...

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by Posh 08

Now with accident numbers being collected and maybe or maybe not golf cart accidents are on the rise. Will golf carts always be allowed on TV streets and paths?

Can you imagine how crazy traffic would be on TV streets if we didn't have carts?

[DGx2]

Graciegirl, you are 100% right. DG

[dmorhome]

Think there is accidents now , ban golf carts and see how many accidents there are.

[VillagesFlorida]

Originally Posted by paulandjean

Please no more talk of having a license to drive a golf cart. This is just plain silly. Would your auto drivers license be good enough. This is a very safe place to drive your cart. If you are having problems in your cart maybe its your fault.We do not need studies to tell us where accidents have taken place. Everyone just drive defensive and you will not have any problem. Just what we need here "special license to drive a cart or a bike or under 50 cc motorcycle. Watch what you ask for.

I can't speak for the others who have posted here saying that they feel that cart drivers should be licensed. What I CAN say is that a regular driver's license works for me. I see no need for a special "golf cart driver's license".

[Posh 08]

Thanks for your responses. Mischief was my motive plus some concern.

[Mikeod]

My understanding is that carts are allowed on streets in TV because of a special waiver/exemption in the vehicle code passed by the legislature. As mentioned above, previously carts were only allowed in daylight hours. If the legislature can allow carts on streets, it can also ban them. All it would take is for someone to decide to sue declaring that the state/county/locality created an unsafe situation that resulted in injury (the Morse bridge crossing) and our use of carts could be examined and revoked. Think of the buffalo situation.

I would expect the political clout of the Morse's and the importance of TV to Sumter county would prevent that, but you just don't know.

Bottom line is to be careful out there with carts. They're not toys. And for those who get a thrill from their 35 mph carts, you just might kill the golden goose.

[superuke]

Go figure if these same people that have accidents in Golf Carts where allowed to drive cars what would happen? It wouldn't be safe to walk anywhere. Besides how would they look at their coupons driving a car.?

[bkcunningham1]

Since it is just opinions, I'll give mine. Ban golf carts? Never. They will eventually require insurance, tags, registration, decals, inspections...whatever localities can think of to generate revenue. I believe that is why there are so many stats collected on golf carts. Just remember, I told you so.