[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

OK, here's my assessment (then I'll duck):

181 posts on this thread, and it looks like those few posters with poor vision or who have had an unnecessarily close call with a gate are all in favor of spending millions to "improve the visibility of gates"---that would be the gates that 99% of us know are there. According to the stats, just short of 1/2 of those gate "crashes" are mechanical failures, so discount them. I find the argument that people don't know that they are there to be lame. So, we now have those with poor vision---who shouldn't be driving. Those with poor driving skills---who shouldn't be driving. And those who are impatient and try to piggyback through--who should fined repetitively.

Basically, the gate-crashing problem is just a microcosm of the general problem of driving in TV---especially in RB's. I also suggest that spending that $$$ to improve visibility will only minimally impact the number of gate crashes since if you can't see or control your vehicle, you'll hit them anyway.

OOPs, I forgot the drunks----who should have the book thrown at them before they hit something that's living.

100% agree on the drunks!
100% disagree with "all in favor of spending millions".
Many solutions mentioned earlier, and many not yet contributed, needn't be nearly so costly. Any help is better than none.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

100% agree on the drunks!
100% disagree with "all in favor of spending millions".
Many solutions mentioned earlier, and many not yet contributed, needn't be nearly so costly. Any help is better than none.

The "help" is getting drivers who can't see off the roads. All the suggestions to enhance visibility only serve to enable those that shouldn't be driving in the first place, delays the inevitable, and probably wouldn't decrease gate hits by all that much. In fact, I think that videos of those that hit a gate more than once be sent off to the Florida DMV for possible licensure action. Perhaps all those clamoring for "enhanced gate visibility" for those with poor vision would feel differently if they hit their grandkid rather than a gate.

[Normal]

Gates aren’t just arbitrarily placed. They are only expected at entrances. The entrances are clearly marked. I’m not sure how one would not expect a gate pole somewhere in the vicinity of a gate? Watch out when you are near one. I haven’t hit a gate yet. Why, because they are at entrances so expect a gate.

Safe driving to all. Make sure to be the cautious driving on New Years so all are genuinely happy going into 2024!

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

But we're not talking ONE mistake, at least not cumulatively. I wonder if they keep statistics on how many gate crashes are a one-off as opposed to multiple time offenders. Maybe, like felons, 3 strikes and they revoke your gate pass

3 strikes. I like it! But, if they are knocking down the gates with having a pass, what's to stop them when their pass is revoked? Hmm! Where is Judge Dredd when you need him?

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

3 strikes. I like it! But, if they are knocking down the gates with having a pass, what's to stop them when their pass is revoked? Hmm! Where is Judge Dredd when you need him?

Judge Dread---I love it. A career sentencing gate crashers, and when it's time to retire he banishes himself to the wilderness of the roundabouts to teach the law

[twoplanekid]

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[twoplanekid]

The easy way to open a gate in The Villages - YouTube

This is the way everyone should open the gates in The Villages with both hand on the wheel, looking forward and not using the current Developer supplied hand-held gate card. Think about installing a small gate access card in the driver side mirror to focus your attention on not hitting the gates.

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

The easy way to open a gate in The Villages - YouTube

This is the way everyone should open the gates in The Villages with both hand on the wheel, looking forward and not using the current Developer supplied hand-held gate card. Think about installing a small gate access card in the driver side mirror to focus your attention on not hitting the gates.

I like it. But your own earlier post #93 has the district government saying that the gate crashers are excessive speeding, & failure to break with some oversized vehicles thrown in.

Even nifty mirror mounted gate transmitters won't deter those determined to try to piggyback through the gate.

They also say that VISIBILITY is not the problem. Trying to get through by tailgating the car in front is the problem.

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

The "help" is getting drivers who can't see off the roads. All the suggestions to enhance visibility only serve to enable those that shouldn't be driving in the first place, delays the inevitable, and probably wouldn't decrease gate hits by all that much. In fact, I think that videos of those that hit a gate more than once be sent off to the Florida DMV for possible licensure action. Perhaps all those clamoring for "enhanced gate visibility" for those with poor vision would feel differently if they hit their grandkid rather than a gate.

Really?
Your position is that we shouldn't even try to make traffic control devices optimally visible because doing so would "enable" people with less than optimal vision to continue to drive?
Really?

[fdpaq0580]

Question for folks with cars that are equipped with accident avoidance tech. Does it work? Does it work on the gates?? Anyone have knowledge about this?

[twoplanekid]

Originally Posted by Dusty_Star

I like it. But your own earlier post #93 has the district government saying that the gate crashers are excessive speeding, & failure to break with some oversized vehicles thrown in.

Even nifty mirror mounted gate transmitters won't deter those determined to try to piggyback through the gate.

They also say that VISIBILITY is not the problem. Trying to get through by tailgating the car in front is the problem.

I do believe that distractions caused using hand-held gate cards can add to the problems. Village District staff doesn't seem to like my gate opening system recommendation but it works great for me.

[Slainte]

As a new resident who has been loose in the Villages for an accumulated three days, I admit I’ve done everything wrong mentioned here & then some, while driving in the Villages. For new twits such as me, who have never driven amid golf carts and never in continually gated areas & had no idea how to use the card (waving it at the person at the stand) I would suggest that the Villages provide a sign such as Student Driver so TV people are aware we’re liable to make dumb mistakes. That, and a class on driving within the Villages explaining the gates, golf cart parking, roundabouts, etc including a paper map. Of TV with gates notated would be grand. I apologize to those I endangered/annoyed…

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by Slainte

As a new resident who has been loose in the Villages for an accumulated three days, I admit I’ve done everything wrong mentioned here & then some, while driving in the Villages. For new twits such as me, who have never driven amid golf carts and never in continually gated areas & had no idea how to use the card (waving it at the person at the stand) I would suggest that the Villages provide a sign such as Student Driver so TV people are aware we’re liable to make dumb mistakes. That, and a class on driving within the Villages explaining the gates, golf cart parking, roundabouts, etc including a paper map. Of TV with gates notated would be grand. I apologize to those I endangered/annoyed…

Welcome to The Villages, where traffic control devices are designed with the idea that you should just memorize what you are supposed to do, (after all, "we all know they are there"), and with less than optimal visibility in order to cull the weak-visioned from our ranks.

You are going to love it here!

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by Slainte

As a new resident who has been loose in the Villages for an accumulated three days, I admit I’ve done everything wrong mentioned here & then some, while driving in the Villages. For new twits such as me, who have never driven amid golf carts and never in continually gated areas & had no idea how to use the card (waving it at the person at the stand) I would suggest that the Villages provide a sign such as Student Driver so TV people are aware we’re liable to make dumb mistakes. That, and a class on driving within the Villages explaining the gates, golf cart parking, roundabouts, etc including a paper map. Of TV with gates notated would be grand. I apologize to those I endangered/annoyed…

Welcome! I presume you have figured out the access card to the gates, & if not there is a red button that will open the gate to enter, for exiting just go slowly or stop until the gate opens of it's own volition. Golf cart parking is a good one, if parking a golf cart in a car parking space, do not park in the middle, park to one side so that another golf cart can share the space. If this is not clear, look for it at the squares & you will see many examples. This also applies at food stores & other public parking lots. For roundabouts here is an excellent explainer printed by Sumter County. If you would like a paper copy of it, they are available at the Villages Public Library at Pinellas Plaza lobby (which also happens to be the Sumter County Safety Center - where you can pay taxes, register a car, etc). For maps, there are several on-line maps, ie: Google Maps, TheVillages.com/map. I know you said paper. I have heard that paper maps are available for purchase at Banner Mercantile, but I have only heard this, I can't say if it is true. Worth checking out if you need paper.

Please ask any further questions. We will be happy to help.

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

I do believe that distractions caused using hand-held gate cards can add to the problems. Village District staff doesn't seem to like my gate opening system recommendation but it works great for me.

I agree with you. Less fumbling at the gate has to be good. No rolling down windows, reaching for a card, etc.