Originally Posted by Number 10 GI (Post 2207391)

There are gate arms at all the entrances to the different villages. If someone can't remember that, they shouldn't be driving a motor vehicle. A prudent person slows down, stops and waves their card in front of the sensor or pushes the red button. If you can't see the arm at that time, get off the road. It's about 10 feet in front of your face. If you can't see a gate arm at 10 feet, how are you going to see a bicyclist, a golf cart or pedestrian walking along the road? If you can't see a gate arm 10 feet in front of you while stopped, you are selfishly endangering a lot of people. Get rid of the car and get a golf cart.

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2207272)

According to the bulletin linked in Post #2, there are approximately 134 gate strikes per month or a little more than four per day. Also, there were nearly as many malfunctions which brings the total to about 8.6 problems each day. With that many incidents it doesn't surprise me that we constantly see a gate down somewhere.

The idea of lights on the gates was raised at the PWAC meeting as recently as this past Monday. The argument against the lights was the cost and the fact that most strikes occur during daylight hours when the lights would be less effective. While the cost per gate might be minimal, the cost for the hundreds of gates throughout the Villages would quickly add up.

Why do gate strikes happen anyway? You mention that they are hard to see but how does that factor in?

- I know there is a gate at each entrance but since I couldn't see it I decided it must not be there and drove through without stopping?

- I know the entrance gate comes down after each vehicle but since I couldn't see it I decided it must be staying up for me and drove through it without stopping?

- The sun was in my eyes and I couldn't see anything so I just drove blindly through the entrance while hoping for the best?

I have noticed that entrance gates are down far more often than exit gates. Is that because exit gates don't always come down between each vehicle so a second car can go through without stopping and without hitting the gate? If so, this just gives more reason to believe that the problem isn't being able to see the gate, the problem is making the choice to go through the gate without stopping.

Originally Posted by DALEPQ (Post 2207244)

It is very common to see the T.V. gate posts knocked down. Virtually every day somewhere.
At times it is hard to see the gate posts in the very bright sunrise/sunset sun.

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2207272)

According to the bulletin linked in Post #2, there are approximately 134 gate strikes per month or a little more than four per day. Also, there were nearly as many malfunctions which brings the total to about 8.6 problems each day. With that many incidents it doesn't surprise me that we constantly see a gate down somewhere.

The idea of lights on the gates was raised at the PWAC meeting as recently as this past Monday. The argument against the lights was the cost and the fact that most strikes occur during daylight hours when the lights would be less effective. While the cost per gate might be minimal, the cost for the hundreds of gates throughout the Villages would quickly add up.

Why do gate strikes happen anyway? You mention that they are hard to see but how does that factor in?

- I know there is a gate at each entrance but since I couldn't see it I decided it must not be there and drove through without stopping?

- I know the entrance gate comes down after each vehicle but since I couldn't see it I decided it must be staying up for me and drove through it without stopping?

- The sun was in my eyes and I couldn't see anything so I just drove blindly through the entrance while hoping for the best?

I have noticed that entrance gates are down far more often than exit gates. Is that because exit gates don't always come down between each vehicle so a second car can go through without stopping and without hitting the gate? If so, this just gives more reason to believe that the problem isn't being able to see the gate, the problem is making the choice to go through the gate without stopping.

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2207272)

According to the bulletin linked in Post #2, there are approximately 134 gate strikes per month or a little more than four per day. Also, there were nearly as many malfunctions which brings the total to about 8.6 problems each day. With that many incidents it doesn't surprise me that we constantly see a gate down somewhere.

The idea of lights on the gates was raised at the PWAC meeting as recently as this past Monday. The argument against the lights was the cost and the fact that most strikes occur during daylight hours when the lights would be less effective. While the cost per gate might be minimal, the cost for the hundreds of gates throughout the Villages would quickly add up.

Why do gate strikes happen anyway? You mention that they are hard to see but how does that factor in?

- I know there is a gate at each entrance but since I couldn't see it I decided it must not be there and drove through without stopping?

- I know the entrance gate comes down after each vehicle but since I couldn't see it I decided it must be staying up for me and drove through it without stopping?

- The sun was in my eyes and I couldn't see anything so I just drove blindly through the entrance while hoping for the best?

I have noticed that entrance gates are down far more often than exit gates. Is that because exit gates don't always come down between each vehicle so a second car can go through without stopping and without hitting the gate? If so, this just gives more reason to believe that the problem isn't being able to see the gate, the problem is making the choice to go through the gate without stopping.

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2207482)

Exactly!!!!! And don't forget my favorite: When a gate arm is down and the BIG, RED, OCTAGONAL stop sign is there, motorists actually speed up to run right through it. This is especially fun when that lane's view is blocked by the gate house when you are trying to cross.

Originally Posted by MandoMan (Post 2207524)

I’ve noticed that when the gates are down, quite a few cars speed right through without stopping. This is very risky for golf carts that may be about to cross. I’m glad we have the bars.

Originally Posted by villagetinker (Post 2207283)

I had personally asked for a YELLOW (or similar bright color) triangle sign to be added to gates so they could easily be seen under ALL lighting conditions. At the time I was told "these are COUNTY roads and therefore subject to FDOT requirements, and because of this the sign could NOT be added" or something very similar, I gave up.
The EXIT gate a Pinellas plaza has a very LONG wait time to closing. I have seen several very close calls as people approaching this gate ASSUME it is stuck up, and continue at speed, barely missing or actually hitting the gate as it is coming down. My point there needs to be CONSISTANCY in the operation of ALL of the gates.
There have been many comments previously about the RED and White gates blending into the background under various lighting conditions. I know this is true, after cataract surgery I have 20/15 vision, and YES these arms do disappear under various ighting conditions.
While the CDDs may have some limited say on the gates, it appears that any major changes need FDOT approval.

Originally Posted by nn0wheremann (Post 2207544)

In Sumter, and I presume in Lake counties streets are owned by the county. In Marion County the streets are owned by the property holders, and maintained collectively by CDD 4. Or so I have been told. Nevertheless the inconsistencies in gate operations, roundabout construction and signage, & MMP routing at intersections throughout The Villages is unpleasant, and sometimes dangerous.

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2207546)

I have no idea about Marion County, but I doubt the property owners "own" the streets. If they did, they could make those villages a truly gated community with no obligation to allow access to anyone who is not a resident or an invitee. They would also be paying to maintain those roads separately from the county tax, so color me doubtful. Perhaps Don knows?

Originally Posted by eyc234 (Post 2207532)

:bowdown: Oh no it is much easier to blame something or someone else for failing to do what you should be doing!!!! When the arms are broken there is a STOP sign put up and I would guess that 60% or more of the cars do not stop and then there get to be cluster ----'s at the gates with cars and carts. The gate arms are not the problem, people are the problem.

Originally Posted by RICH1 (Post 2207554)

I’ve never hit a Gate Yet…