"Gate-busters" are the same ^%$**&^'s who don't know how to operate turn signals or navigate the traffic circles. And just watch them backing out of parking spots at the grocery stores --absolutely no concern for anyone other than themselves.

I know one entertaining thing that demands their attention at the gates though: Leaving rather slowly as you go through the gate does not allow the "tailgaters" to follow while it's up. Not unusual to get a one-finger salute when they've been forced to stop and wait for the gate to re-open, like ordinary people do. Then, simply set your cruise control to the speed limit and watch them fume! Also temporarily effective on contractors who probably know better but can't be bothered by rules. Who says entertainment is expensive at The Villages? (Flame suit on!)

The gate that enters Pinellas by the Winn Dixie has been broken a couple of times. For a year it would open without a card while the construction was going on. So from time to time I would forget to use the card and go too far. Looping around that opening before the gate and after the reader takes no time. I don't think I always noticed the little turn around opening when I first came to the villages.

I don't have a garage screen. But I'd be lying if I said haven't walked into a screen on the way to outside at other peoples houses.


Maybe that's reason enough for me not to buy a garage door screen.

I need all the practice I can get for when St. Peter tries to stop me.

And I thought I was the only one that thought and enjoyed this sport!

because while you can fix gates you can't fix stupid! :22yikes:

I know where I live ,is a sign on the right side of the gate which says, Gate Will Close After Each Car. Not to hard to understand.

Sorry to correct you, but there are videos that show people who have damaged both their vehicles and the gates for whatever reason--trying to go through with the car in front of them, or maybe they don't have a card key to the gates, or just too impatient to wait. If they are not familiar with the gates, there is a button to ask for help-don't just plow through. I would hope that if people are driving a vehicle of any kind they would know how to get through a gate, they are all over the Villages, and basically, many other places. And, I believe they have reflective strips on them, and a stop sign on the arms.

I have to admit if the sun is directly in your eyes as you're approaching the gate it is difficult to see the gate. You know it's there but still a white gate with bright sun may be hard for some to see

I bet that if the arms (and the mid path markers that folks like to play whack-a-mole with) were made of stronger stuff, people would be a lot more careful. I vote for steel filled with concrete. (And yes, I know it would damage whatever hit it.) Every time some idiot hit one of them, we all get to pay for it.

I hear St. Peter screens his calls too.

Until the gate is repaired the damage makers should act as human gate keepers. They must ask each driver 3 questions. click here

Villages plates
 

If all carts using the multimodal paths were required to have a plate with an ID on it then the cameras could really find those who bash things not just the cars. Also tickets could be given for illegal parking around the squares. Last year we came out of a movie and found our car (which was legally parked in a space) blocked in by an illegally parked cart. Hubby was furious and I headed off a unpleasant scene by needing an emergency hot fudge Sunday. I see people parking two carts in a space one behind the other (instead of side by side) are these guys friends traveling together or is the guy in the back blocking in the guy in the front.

Mostly all golf cart idiots. I could drive better totally drunk. They should make the pole sot that they would stop a golf cart in it's tracks.

Or the gates could be made out of those nurf noodles like they use in the pool. Then they would never break.

I could possibly see if it was a very dark night and one approached a gate without seeing it clearly. Driving in TV at night is a different experience as one cannot see street signs to make the proper turns needed especially if one is not yet familiar with where they are going.

I think the only other reason is impatience and some drivers think they can sneak through the gate no matter what the sign says. This gate will close after every vehicle. DUH!!!

God forbid someone has to wait for 3 cars have to go through the gate, before them. A real traffic jam!!! :D

I've seen the same thing with carts,,,,someone parks behind me they may have to look a lot of places for their cart since it will be pushed to a new spot

I saw a cart race behind a car at the gate at pinellas plaza....almost didn't make it.....I'm glad he did since I was the next car in line

:bowdown::bowdown::beer3::bowdown::bowdown:

I think they should use railroad tracks as gate arms
My bet is gate runners would think twice

I think some are idiots, some are in too big of a hurry (uhhh... where are they going??) and some are horrible drivers. Yes, be aware out there and not just at the gates.

The idea of having an ID for each golf cart was talked about many times about a year ago, and most people seemed to be really in favor of having the ID. I haven't heard anything about it since then. Does anyone know if it was ever discussed with anyone who could do anything about it, or how we could even get it brought to anyone's attention??

Maybe the driver is confused as to why there would be a gate across a public road and thinks the gate must be a mirage?

Let's get rid of the stupid gates that The Villages (us!) keep sinking our money in to!!!:popcorn:

Please! How about about if we get rid of the stupid drivers who don't understand the "Slow 5 MPH" signs immediately in front of the gates.

Keep the gates at least it keeps the stupid drivers from hitting something else.

You can't be serious about that statement. Do you not drive a golf cart? The gates allow golf carts to cross the streets at those intersections; think about the vehicle/golf cart accidents if we didn't have the gates. The gates, nor The Villages maintaining them, are the problem. The drivers with their heads up their a** are.

As a new resident I am curious as to why so many gates get damaged
 

Agree. No way the gates should ever be removed. It would change the whole nature of our community in more ways than just safety...and not for the better.

........i.e. trash and riffraff, nefarious types of people.:mad:

My home security system is just as secure as the gates. Every time you push my red doorbell button you hear someone say"Have a nice day in my house" and then the door opens.

Tell me again why the gates don't open automatically? Once upon a time you couldn't get a good photo of the vehicle.

After taking a look at these videos I see a card is required to swipe. I'll be driving down this Thursday and want to look around at a bunch of neighborhoods. How do I get through these gates without a card?

I think it's because cars and golf carts crash into them.

Suppose the gate was redesigned. Instead of it opening on 1 side going up and down, it swung open from both sides like most gates. It can be hinged so that if you drove through without waiting for it to open there will be no harm to the gate but may [hopefully] scratch the car on both sides.

Either enter through a manned gate where the attendant will let you through. If you enter an unmanned gate, there is a red button on the panel that reads the cards. Push the button and you will hear a ringing tone and they will open the gate for you.