Golf carts should be banned from major Manatee County roads

I was amazed when I read the article the other day on how the county commissioners can be swayed by residents voicing their discord for a mere 10 mph speed upgrade. Does anyone seriously think motorists driving another 10 mph are going to impact their quality of life or put their lives in danger for such a small increase?

Come on, we're not going from 30 to 70 mph! And what is the real reason behind their opposition? Could it be they don't want to compete with motorists on a legal road in a legal vehicle? Despite the opposition of residents, why would a vote on banning the golf carts being driven on the shoulder of the roads get tabled for later?

This is a no-brainer and, above all else, a safety issue for both the automobile driver and the golf cart driver. These carts need to remain where they were intended, either on a golf course or in the confines of the various developments where the residents live. What may have started out as a means of a quick trip down the street has now become the norm for some of these residents, driving a non-vehicle wherever they please, sidewalks, main roads, shopping centers, etc.

This is why man invented the automobile. With all the new construction and increase in traffic, it takes all a driver can do to keep focus on other drivers, pedestrians, bike riders, jaywalkers, etc. We do not need to worry about an open golf cart coming at us as well

Whether they like it or not, these should be banned from the major roads. Sorry if this makes anyone mad or hurts their feelings, it's a fact.

Janice Cavileer

Bradenton

This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 4:58 PM with the headline "Golf carts should be banned from major Manatee County roads ."