[BlueHeronFan]

Well here we were playing softball on Saturday when in the middle of the game we heard a crash, and wondered what happened.

Seems some young girl was driving a golf cart and must have been watching a fly ball or something while driving, and crashed right into the fence of the Polo Field. Nobody appeared hurt, but if you see broken fence boards, that is what happened.

Who in the world determined that 14 was an age that would be allowed to drive golf carts around in The Villages, and on the roads not on the multi mode paths. Somebody is going to get KILLED some day.

Frankly, I feel if you don't have a drivers license, then one should not be able to drive the golf carts in The Villages. For crying out loud, these kids are on streets with cars. Sometimes with 4 kids in the front seats.

[missypie]

As always parents or grandparents are responsible.

[graciegirl]

In Austria you can drink at 18 but you can't get a drivers license until 19. Is that right Memason?

[salpal]

The other day I saw an idiot Grandpa with a 3 or 4 year old in his lap while driving his cart.

[missypie]

Originally Posted by salpal

The other day I saw an idiot Grandpa with a 3 or 4 year old in his lap while driving his cart.

ok. Some times the parents have to be responsibe for the grandparents....

[getdul981]

Originally Posted by salpal

The other day I saw an idiot Grandpa with a 3 or 4 year old in his lap while driving his cart.

Since I don't live there yet and certaintly don't have a golf cart or any grand kids either, this is purely a question just to satisfy my curiosity. Do they make child seats for golf carts?

[sandybill2]

Our granddaughter was 15 in Jan. First time we let her drive cart was last year--at 14--only let her drive on street in front of our house and have her picture taken in cart--which was really the most important thing for her at that time. She was just here---we did let her drive but only until we were out of our neighborhood--not on busy streets nor golf cart path. I was in front seat with her each time. I would not feel comfortable letting her drive until she has her driver's license and has been taught how to drive correctly. She did not get mad at me--understood--and really did not want to drive in the traffic yet. I am sure there are some 14 year olds who drive better than some residents that I have come in contact with since living here. Glad the teenager involved in the accident wasn't hurt--and that she did not hurt anyone else.

[Army Guy]

The problem is a lot of people view Golf Cars as "toys" and not real cars.
I agree, DL should be required to drive one.

Army Guy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf_Cart_Accidents

The statistics do look a bit dated.

[billethkid]

The fact they let the youngsters dive under age is a testament to their poor judgement. Which means when they are behind the wheel they are most likely a menace as well.

If I am ever hit by an underage driver while walking, you can bet I will get supplemental future income out of the event.

btk

[Army Guy]

Originally Posted by billethkid

The fact they let the youngsters dive under age is a testament to their poor judgement. Which means when they are behind the wheel they are most likely a menace as well.

If I am ever hit by an underage driver while walking, you can bet I will get supplemental future income out of the event.

btk

I agree, I may even make TV an offer for that big house in Pennecamp!

Army Guy

[Nipper]

I couldn't agree more with most of these posts. 14 is really too young to be driving in the streets. I couldn't believe that The Villages actually sponsored a safe driving course for children and had them driving through the town square. Yes, children can drive in a parade like situation. But watch out if they have to react to over-steering or some other unpredictable situation. Unbelievable!!!!! Grandparents had better check their insurance policies carefully before allowing a child to drive a golf cart.

[Regor]

I feel a 14 or less year old should be allowed to drive gramps cart, if Gramps would allow the same 14 year old to drive his CAR

[pooh]

I agree that 14 is too young to be driving a cart in our community. The Villages is large with lots of traffic, automobile and cart, and an hour or so, if that much, driving under grandma or grandpa's tutelage doesn't really prepare someone who hasn't driven before. When we go for a driver's license, more than a couple of hours of training are needed. Granted carts aren't automobiles, but carts aren't without dangers. Quick turns can result in being thrown from the cart, over correcting steering can cause problems just like with an auto. I want the kids who visit to have fun while here, but a cart isn't a ride at an amusement park and injury to a young teen or others isn't a way to remember time with grandparents, never mind the possibility of a delay in getting a driver's license if ticketed for driving underage while here or anywhere in the state of Florida.

[memason]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

In Austria you can drink at 18 but you can't get a drivers license until 19. Is that right Memason?

Gracie.... Not sure about Austria, but you can begin drinking beer and wine at 16 and start driving lessons at 18, in Germany. Normally takes several months and lots of hours, behind the wheel, to get the drivers license.

Drinking lessons are not required and they seem to pick that up rather quickly.... Ironically, drinking isn't a big deal over here. Driving IS a big deal, especially with the autobahn and no speed limit. It's important to learn proper lane usage, as it is illegal to pass on the right. You can drive as fast as you want [on the autobahn], but if you pass someone on the right, they'll give you a stiff ticket... if they can catch you