[Pturner]

Originally Posted by bestmickey

I suggest that one thing that could help with driver ignorance among visitors/renters (of which I'm one) is that The Villages hand out paperwork to all of us who pick up the temporary resident ID cards. I don't know how you could best reach those renters who don't bother to obtain those ID's. But, the paperwork should explain the rules of the road(s) in TV. For example, how to use a roundabout (while I have them where I live in upstate NY, not all communities have them, so lots of folks are not familiar with driving them). It should also be explained that cars/autos ALWAYS have the right-of-way, how to use and perhaps find the tunnels, etc. I've also been lucky since I've family living in TV, and they have educated me on the rules. I also suggest that homeowners who rent out their properties should have these handouts available for all renters to view, especially if you're renting w/a golf cart for use. After all, you should want to protect your own property.

While driving defensively, we have to be cognizant of the fact that we're driving in a community composed of mostly elderly people. Many of these people aren't paying attention, are losing some of their "faculties", and some get easily confused, etc. As others have said, slow down, pay attention, and pray you make it to your destination(s) safely.

Excellent idea about these handouts being distributed when renters/visitors pick up their ID's. It will go on my annual survey.

I do leave the safety brochures for my renters. Even if they have been here before, I ask them to re-familiarize themselves with the safety info.

[raynan]

The accident with the bicycle and a golf cart was on Buena Vista at the entrance to Bridgeport of Sumter Landing at about 5:30pm Monday night.

[PaPaLarry]

Maybe, the answer to all this is to have golf cart paths that are off the streets, so we don't have these accidents?? At least can plan that way in the new section. I like the idea of having a golf cart, and be able to go where ever I want in The Villages. Nothing like getting up in the mornin, and leaving for the golf course, with a cup of coffee and radio on, and a smile on my face!!! What a "LIFE" America!!! Life is Good, in The Villages. I still feel though, that streets are for cars, and cart paths for carts!! Hopefully, we all will be cautious. Vrooooooooooooooooom!!!!

[bonrich]

Yes, Happinow, there are two tunnels to get you to the Colony Plaza. One to get you under Morse as you leave Sanibel gate, and to the other side along the golf course, then one more to get you under 466A to the Colony Rec Center. Then through there to a stop sign. Choice then is to turn right and take the road into the Plaza for all shopping needs, or go straight across the road and on the trail North to Lake Sumter or points West. You can get a golf cart map from the sales office in Lake Sumter which shows the main routes with the tunnels. We are newbies also so we keep the map clipped to our cart steering wheel for reference until we learn about how we got lost.

[skip0358]

Originally Posted by Happinow

My husband and I already agreed that we would find the route we were going to take with the cart, to and from where ever, and make sure we know how to get there via golf cart. We assume there must be an underground tunnel or similar to get from Sanibel to Subway in the plaza on 466A. (Not sure the name of the plaza) We have seen golf carts there but don't know how to get across 466A. In due time, we will learn. The best part is we will be coming to TV when everyone else is leaving to go back North. It should afford us somewhat of an easier time making our way around. I also think that a good time to explore is before 10 AM. There seems to be much less traffic. I am a timid driver but not afraid to explore. If we have any questions as to how to get from point A to point B there is lots of help out there from everyone, which I'm grateful for!

There's a link on TOTV for the Golf Cart trail map. Do a serch on the main page

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by PaPaLarry

Maybe, the answer to all this is to have golf cart paths that are off the streets, so we don't have these accidents?? At least can plan that way in the new section. I like the idea of having a golf cart, and be able to go where ever I want in The Villages. Nothing like getting up in the mornin, and leaving for the golf course, with a cup of coffee and radio on, and a smile on my face!!! What a "LIFE" America!!! Life is Good, in The Villages. I still feel though, that streets are for cars, and cart paths for carts!! Hopefully, we all will be cautious. Vrooooooooooooooooom!!!!

I believe Larry that it has been said that every area of the new section had been planned out for some years. Every lot, every cart path. Apparently the only thing that hadn't been done is naming the villages and maybe the side streets.

The reason I suspect that is for a brief moment in time on The Villages site there was reference to Fernandina as McClinny or somethng like that and I haven't heard it again.

Our salesperson said the size of the lots and even the direction of the garages are all planned out.

There is no way one could predict the behavior of people and all of these accidents. Planning all separate carts would have been better.

So...we must protect ourselves and others.

[Ragman]

My golf car is capable of 'street legal' speed, but since I only use it on golf rails I had a speed governor installed for 20 MPH.
Almost every time I use it another golf cart (not street legal) will pass or tailgate me. I believe speed and other cart violations should be enforced more vigilantly.
Perhaps registering carts and requiring a 'Villages tag' would allow multiple violators to be identified.

[buggyone]

I read an article in the Daily Sun about this accident. It stated the golf cart swerved in front of a Lincoln in order to make a left hand turn onto St. Charles. I know that road very well. The cart did not look to the left to see if anyone was next to him when merging from the cart lane on Pennecamp.

Too bad that there were injuries but it was 100% avoidable if the cart driver had been paying attention.

[mac9]

I have seen too many drivers of golf carts turn on their signals and stick out their hand to merge with cars at the end of a cart path near a corner and then just go. How they could believe that this action gives them the right of way is beyond me. I often drive my golf cart and would never think to take on a car! It's just plain stupidity.

[eremite06]

Originally Posted by raynan

The accident with the bicycle and a golf cart was on Buena Vista at the entrance to Bridgeport of Sumter Landing at about 5:30pm Monday night.

....and to add insult to injury.....according to the SUN today, "the golf cart driver struck the bicyclist, who was thrown from the bike, then the golf cart's driver backed up and struck the man while he was on the ground."

"Bystanders helped move the cart off the injured man's chest."

Are you kidding me????!!!!!

[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by eremite06

....and to add insult to injury.....according to the SUN today, "the golf cart driver struck the bicyclist, who was thrown from the bike, then the golf cart's driver backed up and struck the man while he was on the ground."

"Bystanders helped move the cart off the injured man's chest."

Are you kidding me????!!!!!

Maybe he panicked and was trying to get out of the way. He was probably in shock.

[ncr2482]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I don't think you need to worry about Newbies being treated with patience. Most residents are happy to help out anyone seeking directions.

However, even Newbies have a responsibility to drive defensively and to not endanger other cars and carts. If you're a Newbie driving a golf cart, and you don't know where the tunnels or paths are, pull over on the grass and watch other drivers. I've seen way too many golf cart drivers charge across Country Roads because they don't take the time to find the tunnels.

I couldn't agree with you more.

[NotGolfer]

While we're "talking" accidents and driving....I'd like to interject the folks who are in cars/trucks who "blow" through stop signs! I've seen it done down on Colony with the road coming off 466A onto (don't know the name of the street carts and cars share to get to the plaza)...by Walgreens. I've had to slam on my brakes (car and cart) more than once there. Also the "crossing" after the tunnel and Colony Rec Center...this also seems to be an accident waiting to happen. PLUS the side streets (the short ones) off from streets like Odell, that have a stop sign---way too many folks blow these as well. How many serious accidents will it take for change???? we can commisserate and complain here---without putting "wings" to our thoughts nothing will change!!

[mrsanborn]

How many more accidents before the insurance industry takes notice?

[GaryW]

Originally Posted by mrsanborn

How many more accidents before the insurance industry takes notice?

Not only that,, but before law enforcement is allowed to police that paths.