[AnonChick]

Actually golf2140, I was a visitor, and the tailgaters were the residents. So by your post, you would suggest that residents are only tailgating visitors. Which would give a whole new meaning to the phrase "friendliest place in the country."

[golf2140]

I was just pointing out that traffic problems start this time of year, gone by April. Check the daily sun, soon there will be letters about the round abouts. happens every year.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Just had another golf cart rollover about 20 minutes ago. Rio Grand at Delmar.
A couple ladies with golf clubs. It looks like they seen the balloons for a yard sale and might have turned the corner too fast. Ambulance arrived in about 5 minutes.
I also seen what looked like maybe a car/bicycle this morning down by Miona. The ambulance was there with the police and a bike was leaning up against a post..................

[Ajack]

Originally Posted by AnonChick

The most harrowing experiences for me on the roads, have involved being tailgated while driving my rented golf cart.

FYI: the rented carts CANNOT go any faster. We already have our foot down on the pedal as far as it'll go. Crawling up my backside won't get you to point B any faster than if you remembered your manners and kept a safe and respectful distance. Furthermore, you will make me nervous, which is distracting. And when I'm distracted, I might not remember that I need to take a left, until I get to the intersection. And then, I'll take that left abruptly, without warning to you, thus causing you to slam on your brakes since you're close enough to kiss me at this point...

Back off, or introduce yourself and buy me dinner. Or - if your cart can really go that fast, get your cart street legal, get it OFF the golf cart and drive on the road.

Amen AnonChick,

Tailgating is my one pet peeve, whether it is golf carts or street vehicles. I wish they handed out more traffic violations for tailgating rather then speeding.

[2BNTV]

happy employee
Junior Member Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 6

Dont forget the headlights!!!

Now that we are back in FOG season, it never fails to amaze me the number of cars in the villages that will drive without headlights on in the fog. Nothing could be more dangerous than to be in a golfcart and see an SUV appearing out of the fog at 45MPH.
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AAA Driver safety course instructor recommended putting on headlights even in clear conditions as the other driver has a better chance to see you.

Tailgaiting story:
One time I rushed to see a what a bumper sticker said:
"if you able to read this, you are following too close".

This put a smile on my face as I backed off.

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by Bryan

Tis that season - when Snowbirds return to TV. Accidents (along with lots of other types of crimes) will go up - comes with the territory and with (as far as accidents goes) being a little unfamiliar with the roads. People from "up North" are not used to sharing the road with golf carts, they are also not used to driving their own golf carts.

Nothing we can do except exercise more care.

I will be one of those snowbirds returning in Jan...I hope you will excuse me when I drive the speed limit, slow down and signal when entering and exiting the roundabouts, exercise my right-of-way when encountering a golf cart on a crossing path, slowing down/stopping at yellow traffic lights, driving under 20mph when in my cart and using that infernal blinker on my golf cart when making a turn [there hasta be a way to lower that screech!].

Such behavior seems to have really p***ed off many a florida motor vehicle operator in my past seasons in the villages. I have just assumed that they are frustrated with the annual invasion of temporary residents who seem to "take over" and displace them from their usual environment. I know and understand that emotion very well because, "up North" here, I live in an area that is invaded annually for 8 weeks every summer by TOURISTS!!! I sometimes feel that when the villages locals see my "up North" tags they aim for me!

Oh well - GET OVER IT! Like the tourists tell us - "We help your economy!" We pays our ammenities fees for twelve months and only stress the environment for a few months! I love my wonderful days in the villages!

[Pturner]

Yep, it's that time of year. Expect revival of the roundabout thread anytime now.

And AnonChick, you are so right. It's not just residents or just visitors at fault. There are just a lot more vehicles on TV roads this time of year. Ironically, that makes people even more impatient. Which causes more accidents. Which slows traffic even more. ...

'Tis the season to allow extra time and use extra caution.

[zcaveman]

It is obvious that the snowbirds are going to defend themselves. And I do not think that anyone is attacking the snowbirds. BUT I have already noticed several maniacs on golf carts passing when they shouldn't and racing to get to places that they could have gotten to anyway if they would have left earlier. And it only started in October - when the snowbirds season started.

And the rush to get through the circles and using both of the lanes and I am amazed at which exit they take.

Not that I think the snowbirds are causing any of the accidents. I just know that we do not have these types of accidents accidents from May thru September.

And to finalize, it is probably 20% of the snowbirds that give the rest of them the bad name.

Now is the time for us to be more vigilant and pray for May to get here.

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by Ajack

Amen AnonChick,

Tailgating is my one pet peeve, whether it is golf carts or street vehicles. I wish they handed out more traffic violations for tailgating rather then speeding.

Most of those doing the tailgating are driving illegally modified golf carts. Maybe the push by local law enforcement will draw proper attention to the fact that those modified carts, once altered to increase the speed to over 20 mph, become unlicensed and unregistered vehicles which are also uninsurable.

[Hancle704]

Just passed another multiple vehicle accident shortly after 3 PM at intersection of CR 466 and Buena Vista Blvd. I am guessing but I would think it had something to do with someone going through a red light or, being caught in intersection when light changed.

It's Friday and everyone is in a rush.

[AnonChick]

Originally Posted by Indydealmaker

Most of those doing the tailgating are driving illegally modified golf carts. Maybe the push by local law enforcement will draw proper attention to the fact that those modified carts, once altered to increase the speed to over 20 mph, become unlicensed and unregistered vehicles which are also uninsurable.

I don't care if they're modified golf carts or inline skaters; it's stupid, and rude, to tailgate. ESPECIALLY in a place where there are OFTEN people who don't know their way around, who might need to turn abruptly. I had to go up three blocks my first day, out of my way, because it was my first time ever driving a golf cart, I wasn't sure of where I needed to turn, and I was TERRIFIED by this cart behind me who refused to back off a few feet. And I didn't know that I was allowed to pull over, so I just kept going until I could see an easy way to turn around.

I have to assume I'm not the only one this has ever happened to, nor will I be the last. But it's rude, and dangerous, and very very scary to the uninitiated to have to deal with people like this.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Bryan

Tis that season - when Snowbirds return to TV. Accidents (along with lots of other types of crimes) will go up - comes with the territory and with (as far as accidents goes) being a little unfamiliar with the roads. People from "up North" are not used to sharing the road with golf carts, they are also not used to driving their own golf carts.

Nothing we can do except exercise more care.

Hmmm, what other types of crime go up when the Snowbirds arrive?

I know I'm probably overly sensitive on the topic, being a Seasonal Resident from "up North" and all. I understand that Bryan's post was well intentioned.

But at this time of the year, I hear a lot of people complaining about the return of those darn Snowbirds. As if people who leave for the summer don't have a right to occupy their homes during the winter.

It is true that some of the "Snowbirds" are Visitors who may be visiting The Villages for the first time. They're usually the people you see trying to drive vehicles on golf cart paths.

However many of the "Snowbirds" who are returning to TV are Seasonal Residents from "up North", NOT visitors. There is a huge difference. Seasonal Residents are familiar with the roads, and are used to sharing the roads with golf carts. They know how to navigate roundabouts (about as well as full-time residents). They pay taxes and amenities all year long whether they're in residence or not. They care passionately about the safety and beauty and well being of The Villages.

I'm climbing off my soapbox now.

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Hmmm, what other types of crime go up when the Snowbirds arrive?

I know I'm probably overly sensitive on the topic, being a Seasonal Resident from "up North" and all. I understand that Bryan's post was well intentioned.

But at this time of the year, I hear a lot of people complaining about the return of those darn Snowbirds. As if people who leave for the summer don't have a right to occupy their homes during the winter.

It is true that some of the "Snowbirds" are Visitors who may be visiting The Villages for the first time. They're usually the people you see trying to drive vehicles on golf cart paths.

However many of the "Snowbirds" who are returning to TV are Seasonal Residents from "up North", NOT visitors. There is a huge difference. Seasonal Residents are familiar with the roads, and are used to sharing the roads with golf carts. They know how to navigate roundabouts (about as well as full-time residents). They pay taxes and amenities all year long whether they're in residence or not. They care passionately about the safety and beauty and well being of The Villages.

I'm climbing off my soapbox now.

Well said, Barefoot.

I, for one, do not feel you are over sensitive. Snowbirds get an undeserved bad rap. They seemed to get blamed for all sorts of perceived wrongs.

See the thread at: Snowbirds and Frogs

A lot of frogs seem to agree.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

It is obvious that the snowbirds are going to defend themselves. And I do not think that anyone is attacking the snowbirds. BUT I have already noticed several maniacs on golf carts passing when they shouldn't and racing to get to places that they could have gotten to anyway if they would have left earlier. And it only started in October - when the snowbirds season started. Where were you all summer? I saw the same thing on more than one occasion.

And the rush to get through the circles and using both of the lanes and I am amazed at which exit they take. It is not illegal to use both lanes in a roundabout but taking the wrong exit is dangerous.

Not that I think the snowbirds are causing any of the accidents. I just know that we do not have these types of accidents accidents from May thru September. What type of accidents are you referring to? There were many accidents discussed on this board all summer.
And to finalize, it is probably 20% of the snowbirds that give the rest of them the bad name. And probably the same percentage of full time residents that give all a bad name.

Now is the time for us to be more vigilant and pray for May to get here. I think this is way out of line.

Sorry, as a full time resident I don't think your comments are necessary.

[Ajack]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Sorry, as a full time resident I don't think your comments are necessary.

As a soon to be frog, I wholeheartedly agree.