[TVMayor]

580 traffic citations issued April-July in The Villages, 82 to golf carts
Between April 10 and July 8, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office issued 580 traffic citations in the Sumter County portion of The Villages, according to a quarterly report presented to the Village Community Development Districts 1-3 and 5-8.

In addition to that, during the same time, the sheriff’s office issued 82 golf cart citations during that same time period.

The vehicle citations ranged from items such as unlawful speed and improper braking to not wearing a seat belt.

However, more than 65 percent of the citations issued to golf carts were for running a stop sign, and more than 18 percent of the citations were for operating a golf cart without a registration, which is issued when a golf cart exceeds the 19 mph speed limit.

The sheriff’s office reminds Villagers to obey all traffic rules — no matter what vehicle you are in.

580 traffic citations issued April-July in The Villages, 82 to golf carts - **************

[pooh]

Seems there are a number of drives who feel the rules of the road, the laws, don't apply to them. Hopefully there are now 580 drivers who won't violate, at least the law they were cited for disobeying, and maybe all trafic laws.

Sorry if this offends anyone, but driving is a privilege and not a right. When you get behind the wheel you are responsible for your safety, that of your passengers and all others sharing the roads with you.

[Taltarzac725]

When I am out and about in the golf cart, so many golf cart drivers still seem to be in such a hurry. I put-put along at around 16 or so and still often have a line of impatient carters behind me.

[rhood]

What is improper braking?

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by rhood

What is improper braking?

I do not know. You could call the sheriff office and ask them.

Most of the golf cart violations were for running stop signs. Keep in mind this is on the public roadways. Stop means a complete stop! Lots of those occur when coming from a cut path from the multimodal trail onto one of the cul de sacs. I have seen police set up waiting for carts who do the rolling stop. I imagine the residents of the cul de sac get tired of carts not stopping and notify the police.

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by TVMayor

580 traffic citations issued April-July in The Villages, 82 to golf carts - **************

I wonder how these numbers compare to a city of similar size, say Clearwater, FL.

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by janmcn

I wonder how these numbers compare to a city of similar size, say Clearwater, FL.

Interesting thought but actually not applicable in my opinion.

The traffic patterns and road speed limits are not comparable.

I believe that the Villagers are basically good drivers in their cars. There is some speeding for the posted limit but not too bad. Golf cart driving can be a different story. Too many carts are way over the 20 mph limit both on the multimodal trails and on the public roadways. True, police do not monitor the multimodal trails but it would be nice to see people obey the 20 mph limits.

[msfooter]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

When I am out and about in the golf cart, so many golf cart drivers still seem to be in such a hurry. I put-put along at around 16 or so and still often have a line of impatient carters behind me.

It would certainly be helpful if you would do your put-puting along at 19-20 so the line behind you would not be so long. Jimmie

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by msfooter

It would certainly be helpful if you would do your put-puting along at 19-20 so the line behind you would not be so long. Jimmie

Respectfully, I would like to know, assuming you are making a five mile trip, how can it be important to save 4.5 minutes by being able to do 20mph instead of 16mph? It is easier and safer to enjoy the view at the slower speed.

If one is really in a hurry, most roads around here let you drive a car from 20mph to 45mph.

[al & jane]

These numbers are really quite minimal considering the population. We moved here from a community of 80,000 where at least 50 tickets per day were written compared to Sumter County's average of 5 per day.

I can actually go for several weeks without seeing a deputy and I am out a lot.

Originally Posted by TVMayor

580 traffic citations issued April-July in The Villages, 82 to golf carts - **************

[JerryP]

Originally Posted by msfooter

It would certainly be helpful if you would do your put-puting along at 19-20 so the line behind you would not be so long. Jimmie

That's the whole point in put-putting, relaxing, retired, in no hurry.

[TVMayor]

I would find it interesting to know the total cost of the 580 citations. A friend of mine has an investment in the total, she went 4mph over in her car. Too much NASCAR channel I guess.

[Mimivillager]

Maybe the cart won't go any faster?
Sometimes mine doesn't. It used to bother me when everyone felt they had to fly past me. Now it doesn't bother me anymore. I just enjoy the ride.

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

The speed limit is 19mph............move over!

Nineteen mph is the maximum speed allowed. Is there a minimum speed limit? Can you get pulled over for going ten mph?

[karostay]

Originally Posted by TVMayor

580 traffic citations issued April-July in The Villages, 82 to golf carts - **************

82 golf cart violations in a community of my guess would be
80,000 + or - golf carts is very low and not news worthy and 18% be deemed street legal= 14 carts YAWN