Talk of The Villages Florida - Slow Down, no need to Rush

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall55 (Post 2279461)

All true. ON HIGHWAYS. My nephew doesn't believe me, either. He has been pulled over for careless driving in cities and towns throughout Florida, 5 times. (Over a span of years) Each time, he uses his misguided beliefs that the left lane is supposed to be used for passing as his defense. Each time, a judge explains the rules of driving in towns. Honking, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, intimidation, and going over the speed limit to pass safe speed vehicles will cost you $350 each time caught. He was forced to pay the fine, each time. Again, there are left turns at most intersections. You must allow a driver(s) to prepare and make his left turn.This is not rocket science!

Of course, those who drive well under the speed limit will be ticketed. I have not experienced much of this in the Villages. Instead, I see many drivers exceeding the speed limits on a daily basis.

On highways????? Is that the law???? Because here is the applicable statute (again):

Florida 316.081:

(3) On a road, street, or highway having two or more lanes allowing movement in the same direction, a driver may not continue to operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane if the driver knows or reasonably should know that he or she is being overtaken in that lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed. This subsection does not apply to drivers operating a vehicle that is overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or is preparing for a left turn at an intersection.

Note: ROAD, STREET or highway, not just a highway

More likely than not your relative was convicted of "honking, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, intimidation, and going over the speed limit to pass safe speed vehicles", because his defense of the left lane being a passing lane was 100% correct under the law. Unfortunately, the "other driver" was not ticketed for failure to move over when a faster vehicle approached from behind, but that does not absolved your nephew of his driving behavior.

PS: The "judge" in some of these one-horse towns may be just that---a horse farmer, and not well versed in the actual law, just what he wants it to be in his town on his little power trip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall55 (Post 2279461)

All true. ON HIGHWAYS. My nephew doesn't believe me, either. He has been pulled over for careless driving in cities and towns throughout Florida, 5 times. (Over a span of years) Each time, he uses his misguided beliefs that the left lane is supposed to be used for passing as his defense. Each time, a judge explains the rules of driving in towns. Honking, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, intimidation, and going over the speed limit to pass safe speed vehicles will cost you $350 each time caught. He was forced to pay the fine, each time. Again, there are left turns at most intersections. You must allow a driver(s) to prepare and make his left turn.This is not rocket science!

Of course, those who drive well under the speed limit will be ticketed. I have not experienced much of this in the Villages. Instead, I see many drivers exceeding the speed limits on a daily basis.

If you’ll read THE LAW, there is no distinction made as to what roads the law applies. Your nephew was driving erratically and unsafe. Different animals. Left lane “sitting” is illegal on ALL roads in Florida. I was right…some is arguing with the LAW.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike234 (Post 2279471)

I agree with #14
I agree with this guy...why I am in a hurry is quite frankly my business, not yours. I wish people would stop telling me how to go around a rotary, and how to drive period. I was taught to MYOB and thats what I do....I wish you would do also, but that is not going to happen.....

Perhaps people will quit telling you how to drive—making suggestions that might actually save yours or someone else’s life—if you learned the rules of the road and learned how to drive. Maybe heed their suggestions. Just a thought.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VApeople (Post 2279003)

When I drive, I do not care what you want me to do. I'm going to drive how I want to and you have to learn how to deal with me.

I have had discussions about driving techniques with others on TOTV. When I describe how I drive, some of them get very upset with me, but it does not matter. I truly enjoy driving and I get to where I am going, so I am not going to change.

Quote:

Originally Posted by defrey12 (Post 2279158)

THAT IS THE MOST SELFISH SENTENCE I HAVE EVER READ. You should be reported to the DMV as an unsafe driver and have your license suspended! People who don’t think the rules apply to them are DANGEROUS! I was a professional driver for 35 years, so I KNOW what’s what. I hope I NEVER encounter you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by VApeople (Post 2279278)

I am an old codger. When I need to turn left on Morse or BV, I get in the left lane about a mile before the upcoming roundabout.

Of course, as I pull into the left lane I accelerate so that am driving at the absolute utmost allowable speed permitted by law.

Quote:

Originally Posted by defrey12 (Post 2279340)

In the sentence where s/he states he drives how s/he “wants” infers a dangerous scofflaw with disregard for the rules of the road…and a disregard for others. After 4,000,000 miles driven, and having seen people like this in no less than 48 out of 50 states, I think I’m uniquely qualified to comment. I also have a command of the English language. So, yes, I know an inference…

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2279427)

I have to agree that they implied their driving habits are unconventional and likely dangerous. It is easy to say, “I obey the law.” It is equally easy to say, “I drive courteously.” They said neither.

They wrote that many argue with them about their driving style but they just don’t care and others can learn to deal with it. While not a clear statement that they have dangerous habits, the implication is there. It is hard to imagine an unconventional style that others disagree with that is not a hazard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VApeople (Post 2279451)

That's because you have a very limited imagination.

Actually, one person criticized my driving because I often refuse to turn right on red.

I think, if you've seen that first poster's posts over the years, that he/she is not a reckless driver, more likely he/she drives slower than a constipated hippopotamus, and as such probably gets passed often, and generates a large number of one-fingered salutes as well. That being said, moving into the left lane a mile in advance of a left turn is ridiculous, as is the concept that all other drivers have to "deal with him". If he keeps it up, one day a driver may "deal with him" by running him off the road, or worse. And not turning on red when safe to do so will draw you even more ire from other drivers.

Next rant to follow. Hint: it involves left lane Louies

Quote:

Originally Posted by huge-pigeons (Post 2279149)

The drivers of the villages are terrible drivers as a whole. 1/2 of them don’t know how to use the roundabouts, people that don’t go the speed limit are always in the left lane, and these same drivers are not courteous.
These slow people should not be driving in the left lane just like if you are on the freeways. Move over, but this doesn’t happen. So now you have 2 slow people blocking access with nobody in front of them. Same goes for the golf carts, if you can’t go as fast as someone behind you, why don’t you let them pass.
Just because you don’t have anywhere to go or anything to do that requires a timeline, don’t make it difficult for people that do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cindysum90 (Post 2279152)

I agree with you on the lack of courtesy and ability amongst TV drivers. But if I’m going the speed limit, I’m not pulling over to let someone pass.

Quote:

Originally Posted by defrey12 (Post 2279165)

The left lane is for passing…move over. Do the speed limit in the RIGHT lane. It’s in the Motor Vehicle Handbook provided by the DMV when you got your license. Perhaps you should go back and review. This is particularly important on the interstate(s). It could save your life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall55 (Post 2279177)

The left lane is for passing on an interstate or major freeway. In a city, town, or community, it is not. A driver in the left lane may be making the next left turn, or the next. If you haven't noticed, there is a left turn at EVERY INTERSECTION.

Just because YOU are passing through does not mean ALL DRIVERS ARE. Those who honk horns in our community, pretending the left lane is for passing, ARE ANNOYING. If you are running late, it is your fault. Do not expect drivers to clear the road so YOU can pass freely. Instead, recognize, at any time, a driver in the left lane needs to make a left exit. Pretending they are driving in front of you just to annoy you will give you road rage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jameson (Post 2279181)

If I'm already going about 40-42 mph down Morse or Buena Vista, keeping pace with most left lane traffic, passing cars that are going 30-35 (within the limit) but then guy behind me wants to go 50 or 60, they can go around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall55 (Post 2279206)

Ridiculous for you to believe an older person needs a mile of roadway to prepare for a left exit. Tell that to the 80 and 90-year-olds who have reduced eyesight and hearing, slower reaction time, distorted thinking, and are jittery around speeders. I find it much easier to leave my home early and to expect the unexpected. I do not honk my horn because I know this will frighten them and they will drive even slower. Sometimes, it is wise to accept things we can not change. As long as we all arrive safely, who cares if it takes an extra few minutes?

Quote:

Originally Posted by VApeople (Post 2279278)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2279202)

There is no left turn going north on Buena Vista at Hillsborough or Stillwater. There are a few more with no left turn when going south. When a left turn lane is needed, such as at 44, 466A, 466, etc, one is added.

It is foolish to believe that Buena Vista and Morse were built as four lane roads because older drivers need a mile of roadway to prepare for a left turn.

Stay to the left except to pass or to actually make a left turn. It is simple to understand, it is easy to do, it is considerate, and it ought to be the law.

Actually, IT IS the law:

Florida statute 316.081:

(3) On a road, street, or highway having two or more lanes allowing movement in the same direction, a driver may not continue to operate a motor vehicle in the furthermost left-hand lane if the driver knows or reasonably should know that he or she is being overtaken in that lane from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed. This subsection does not apply to drivers operating a vehicle that is overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or is preparing for a left turn at an intersection.

Furthermore, there is a bill in the legislature right now that would prohibit driving in the left lane except for passing etc. (As the above law is currently written, someone can still just meander along in the left lane UNTIL someone comes from behind at a faster speed, but often the driver that is so weak in his driving skills as to be driving 55 in the left lane of a 70 zone is just as weak at being aware of his surroundings or unwilling to move over.)

And again, the law states "road, street or highway", there is no distinction between 466 and I-75, despite one poster inventing his own law. This also applies to the driver going 40 om Morse who stated "the others can go around". NO! YOU are required to move over if someone behind wants to go faster, that is THE LAW. YOU are not the police. YOU do not get to dictate speed to others on the road. That is NOT your job, YOUR job is to move over. If you want to enforce the law, go graduate from the police academy.

As far as "jittery, poor vision and hearing 80-90 year olds needing a mile to get into the left lane go, time to surrender your license, you are a road hazard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by srswans (Post 2279229)

I normally drive with my foot to the floor because throttle controller on my cart doesn’t work well at mid position. It hunts, making it difficult to hold a steady speed like 15. I’ve talked to others, who have found the same - particularly with lithium carts.

Better throttle controllers may help.

You want a better controller so you can hold your speed at 15 mph????? Please don't get ahead of the rest of us.

/// already covered by GE above ///

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2279477)

I think, if you've seen that first poster's posts over the years, that he/she is not a reckless driver, more likely he/she drives slower than a constipated hippopotamus,

Constipated hippopotamus, funny! :1rotfl:

"If you are running late, it is your fault. "

Good point !
In my decades of commuting, I noticed the same people flying by and/or tailgating every morning.

Now I really don't understand the rush. Do you know where your next stop in life will be ?

I'm taking time to smell the roses.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gorillarick (Post 2279493)

That's fine.

But if you're driving 12 mph on the MMPs, pull off to "smell the roses" :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2279480)

The left lane law says "higher rate of speed."
If you also read the rules of passing it says you can pass when safe, but without exceeding the speed limit.

So if I'm doing the speed limit in the left lane, there is no reason for anyone to pass (except emergency vehicles).

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2279495)

That's fine.

But if you're driving 12 mph on the MMPs, pull off to "smell the roses" :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Lmao!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by gorillarick (Post 2279496)

Wrong. The law states you must pull over from the left lane when a vehicle behind is going faster. It does not state they have to be at or below the posted speed limit. Even if you are driving at 100 mph in the left lane and the person behind wants to go 105, you MUST pull over. Do I need to post 316.081 again???

Lots of discussion about speed. However it is not just speed that causes mishaps but speed VARIATION.

This: "Both higher and lower mean speeds have been found to be associated with increased crash frequency, and large speed variation has consistently been found to increase crash" (Speed, Speed Variation and Crash Relationships for Urban Arterials, Science direct dot com). The article goes on to state " This study further confirms that speed variation is observed to have a significant positive effect on crashes, with a 1% increase in speed variation associated with a 0.74% higher crash frequency.". The article wasn't clear of this .74% crash increase was the case for every 1% increase in speed variation, but it seems likely.

Frankly I wasn't quite sure what the numbers were going to say regarding speed variation and accidents, but this is definitely something worth considering. It is apparently something that the authorities know and have known for some time: I've had friends who have received warnings from law enforcement for not keeping up with traffic when they were doing the speed limit but everyone else was going significantly over the speed limit--a pretty solid indication that it isn't so much the speed but the speed VARIATION that is dangerous. Some cowboy madly weaving in and out of traffic is dangerous and statistically will either cause or be involved in accidents at a greater rate than someone going with the flow, but so is somebody plodding along at the minimum speed allowable even in the right lane. Both statistically are deadly, when one considers that variation in speed is a primary cause of accidents.

OK. So... even if you're a couple of minutes late for your tee time, is it really worth the mayhem you might cause by your mad dash to the starter shack? And conversely, if you enjoy tooling along on the MMPs at, say, 12 MPH and someone passes you on a blind corner and a mishap occurs, who is really at fault?

Go with the flow. By far the safest route.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gorillarick (Post 2279496)

The person speeding will get the ticket no matter which lane. On a busy street, with bumper to bumper traffic, there is not enough operable room for the majority of traffic to remain to the right. Those who continually weave in and out, will be ticketed. Town, city, and community streets are not open highways where one can zoom by in the left lane as they see fit.

If you do not believe this and speed in the left lane, or weave in and out of traffic, do not be surprised if you receive a $350 ticket for careless driving.