[Grill Meister]

Am I the only one who has experienced approaching the resident gate, stopping, having the crossing arm raise up and almost colliding with another vehicle going through on the visitors side and almost having a collision? As you know, most have fences separating resident entrances from visitor entrances and you are not aware of the vehicle until it's almost too late. And when your gate goes up you instinctively start driving forward.

I would image the first order of business for the crossing guard is to prevent any and all accidents. And the second order would be the orderly movement of vehicles through the gates.

Too many times this has happened to me and the last time was just this morning.

Be careful.....be very, very careful. And guards, wake up. Don't lift that other gate until the coast is clear.....very, very clear.

[villagetinker]

I have experienced this also, and I agree with you about making sure the lane is clear for the resident. I have gone on the defensive, and always look over my shoulder or use the rear view mirror if I saw a vehicle in the visitor lane while I am going through the resident lane.

[VApeople]

No, I have never had that problem.

Maybe because I drive slowly and am very aware of my surroundings.

[Bill14564]

The guards might be able to do better but:
- some won't
- you can't be sure
- the same situation can occur at unguarded gates

The only thing you can do is to check carefully before proceeding and merging

[Altavia]

You have to be extra careful at the Richmond gate. Visibility is poor going north until about halfway across. Not sure the gate attendant has visability or is looking first either.

[Michael G.]

Guarded crossing gates??

As I was told many times in tv, there is no "guarded gates", only "gated gates".

[Hape2Bhr]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

Guarded crossing gates??

As I was told many times in tv, there is no "guarded gates", only "gated gates".

You've been told they are not security gates, but traffic control gates to accommodate autos and carts.

[Keefelane66]

I should be set to where only one gate is operated at a time.
Common sense is to complicated.

[Bogie Shooter]

Use the visitor gate.

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by VApeople

No, I have never had that problem.

Maybe because I drive slowly and am very aware of my surroundings.

Good answer.

[Blackbird45]

There is another issue that has to do with golf carts.
I'm always super careful when driving through because some of these golf cart drivers will just shoot out in front of your car.
I believe there is an easy solution and it not high tech.
Just install mirrors at these crossing, this way making them fully aware there is a car about to cross their path.

[CSB1228]

Originally Posted by Grill Meister

Am I the only one who has experienced approaching the resident gate, stopping, having the crossing arm raise up and almost colliding with another vehicle going through on the visitors side and almost having a collision? As you know, most have fences separating resident entrances from visitor entrances and you are not aware of the vehicle until it's almost too late. And when your gate goes up you instinctively start driving forward.

I would image the first order of business for the crossing guard is to prevent any and all accidents. And the second order would be the orderly movement of vehicles through the gates.

Too many times this has happened to me and the last time was just this morning.

Be careful.....be very, very careful. And guards, wake up. Don't lift that other gate until the coast is clear.....very, very clear.

Why don't you just use the gate with the attendant?? As a resident, you can use either gate. I've been a resident for 17 years and I use the gate with the least cars in line. The reason for ALMOST having a collision is because you probably hurried and tried to beat the other vehicle. Attendants have to keep traffic moving so it doesn't back up into roundabouts. (No I'm not a gate keeper)

[sdeikenberry]

Regardless of any other reasons, it's still the driver's responsibility to be aware of anything around them...defensive driving folks.

[Retiredsteve]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I have experienced this also, and I agree with you about making sure the lane is clear for the resident. I have gone on the defensive, and always look over my shoulder or use the rear view mirror if I saw a vehicle in the visitor lane while I am going through the resident lane.

. Shouldn't we all drive defensively all the time anyway?

[kendi]

Never had that problem because i look before proceeding. Agree with the defensive driving comments.