Warning!Driving around the Contemporary with out of town plates?

[keishashadow]

I drive 25k miles a year. My entire life: zero speeding tickets, zero accidents. (Knock on wood.) So no, they didn't give me a ticket, and I've certainly never gotten pulled over at WDW.

I just get irritated because I grew up with a traffic engineer for a dad, so I know what safety REALLY is about. And it isn't pulling people over for driving 5 over. That is about revenue. And that makes me mad because it diverts resources from actual traffic enforcement that could save lives.

Its rare for speed to kill, unless it is excessive. It is almost always aggressive driving, or distracted driving, or drunk driving. An average, attentive driver who is driving, say, 5-10 mph over the speed limit poses absolutely no risk. Yet that is the driver that gets targeted by speed traps like this.

speeding & agressive driving aren't mutually exclusive.

Even the crash test dummies at Epcot know that traffic accident deaths increase proportionally based upon the speed involved. Im sure your dad could verify that many of the prime factors used in determing speed limits on any road include evaluation of topography, condition, accident rate and traffic volume.

Good thing disney has the bus system in place so guests have alternative to drinking & driving, especially after visiting F&W @ Epcot. It probably helps deflect any pesky lawsuits a typical bar owner can face when a patron does mayhem on the way home after over-indulging @ their establishment...imagineers think of everything.

 

[Edd]

Yes, there is a contract between Disney and Orange County Sheriffs Dept to provide traffic control on WDW property. They don't go after you if you are only driving 5 miles over the limit. The person screaming about that here is dreaming. I don't believe that poster for the first minute. If you don't speed you won't get a ticket.

People who drive at WDW think they can not be stopped for speeding there and that is false. Driving there for 2 to 10 tens a week for the past 10 to 15 years I have seen some maniac drivers whether they are local or out-of-town. No I agree speed doesn't kill but when you get 2 to 5 speeders together on a stretch of road it can get hairy. I have never received a ticket on WDW and I have probably seen over 2000 sheriff cars waiting for speeders in the past 18 years.

They other strange thing I have noticed is that people want to compete with the big busses on the property. They zing in and out and between them like they are driving a motorcycle. My closest accident on the property came about two months ago when a employee, I assume, driving a truck went through a red light trying to beat a caution going left into the epcot cast parking area. It was a matter of inches and I had a family in the car headed back to SFB. I definitely had the green for the straight ahead. He was driving about 35 or 40 so he could make the caution light left turn. I had seen him speeding for the light and had already started to put my foot on the brake. That second saved us from hitting him or her as the truck crossed in front of me.

I know where you are talking about and it is not a speed trap. It is more employees headed to the parking areas and they do speed and pass cars on a two lane road with curves that could be very hazardous if you try to pass. Many roads at WDW are only two lanes and impatient drivers don't need to be passing slower moving busses or other traffic on those roads.

 

[tinkrebell]

Random, but touching on the motorcycle reference -

My dad and I were riding his motorcycle on a street near us in Northern, VA, last night, with him "driving" and me on the back - and an inattentive driver pulled out so slowly from her house to make a left onto the road, effectively putting herself at a standstill straight in front of us, that my father had to quickly brake and readjust our bike so that we wouldn't crash. We've had similar experiences with other friends riding, who have had to lay out (ie, crash on purpose) their bikes to avoid collision with cars who simply aren't looking.

So, yes, all are right above - speeding isn't necessarily the issue, technique is. My first car crash (not me driving) involved a pickup truck that had randomly decided to park where they thought they were allowed to - on the side of a road next to a house - despite the fact that that side of a road was actually one lane in a four lane road, with no parking allowed. The HS senior driving me home from school saw it too late, and slammed into the car that was trying to get out from behind that pickup - and all three cars impacted very quickly. No one was hurt, but there's a lot to be said about speed not being the issue - it really is technique. The same crashes will happen with slow(/parked) cars impeding traffic by driving/not driving badly as much as the fast ones that weave (which, for the record, we don't do on the motorcyle, because we don't want to die).

Random, but happens so often.

 

[ssawka]

In general a speeding ticket should not be issued for no less than 5 mph over the posted speed limit. Police are only trained to estimate speeds to be with in 5 mph of the actual speed. When a cop writes a speeding ticket he has to observe the vehicle traveling, he is supposed to then estimate the speed of the vehicle, then use the radar gun to confirm the actual speed of the vehicle and back up what he estimated. One or two mph over the limit is crazy to write. Any radar gun could be off by 1 or 2 mph. Here in NY the judge would throw it out. You have to go for at least 10 mph over or even 15.

Yes, that is why they are more likely to give you a ticket if you are from out of town. The chances are pretty slim that you will appear in court. Instead, out of towners will just pay the ticket! Nice little revenue generating scheme, and WDW is a gold mine for nabbing out of towners.

 

[Brian Noble]

What do you mean by "contracted"? If there is a contract between two parties that generally means one is paying the other for some type of service

Exactly. But, the entity doing the "paying" is either the Reedy Creek Improvement District, or the Cities of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista. So, not technically "Disney", even though those governments only have Disney employees/landowners as citizens.

This happens all over the place, and is a very standard arrangement. To illustrate, Ann Arbor has its own police force, and they cover the City of Ann Arbor. However, the surrounding Townships (Ann Arbor, Scio, Pittsfield, etc.) don't have their own police forces, and instead contract with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's office to provide police services, for which they pay a fee. Presumably, the OC/Osceloa Sheriffs do likewise.

 

[Inkmahm]

Random, but touching on the motorcycle reference -

My dad and I were riding his motorcycle on a street near us in Northern, VA, last night, with him "driving" and me on the back - and an inattentive driver pulled out so slowly from her house to make a left onto the road, effectively putting herself at a standstill straight in front of us, that my father had to quickly brake and readjust our bike so that we wouldn't crash. We've had similar experiences with other friends riding, who have had to lay out (ie, crash on purpose) their bikes to avoid collision with cars who simply aren't looking.

A bit off topic here, but what were you wearing on that motorcycle? Nice bright colors or black leather?

I stay away from riding motorcycles because I believe they are dangerous. In many cases, they are hit because drivers of cars just don't see them. There's been a push in my state for motorcycle riders to be better seen. Some of them are wearing the bright orange or yellow vests, like the ones workers on the highways wear. It makes a HUGE difference in being able to see them. They have caught my eye when they are on the other side of the highway going in the opposite direction. Bright is good. Wear it OVER the leathers.

 

[disney david]

Random, but touching on the motorcycle reference -

My dad and I were riding his motorcycle on a street near us in Northern, VA, last night, with him "driving" and me on the back - and an inattentive driver pulled out so slowly from her house to make a left onto the road, effectively putting herself at a standstill straight in front of us, that my father had to quickly brake and readjust our bike so that we wouldn't crash. We've had similar experiences with other friends riding, who have had to lay out (ie, crash on purpose) their bikes to avoid collision with cars who simply aren't looking.

Glad to hear you wasn't hurt your dad must drive his bike alot to be able to stop with you on the bike. I figured it was hard enough by him self to stop in time but to have to adjust so you didn't fly off the bike someone watching out for you. Hope you don't let that stop you from riding on the bike again.

 

[SunnyP4Disney]

If you don't go over the speed limit you will not get a ticket. This is magic that works not just at Disney, but I've tried it at home and it works.

My thoughts exactly. Where I tend to see the police is off of Osceola Pkwy right before you get to Wide World of Sports. I'm usually going at a good clip but nothing compared to some of the cars around me.

I also want to add when I read the OP's responses I hear them in Christopher Walken's voice. Guess what?... I got a fever... and the only prescription is... more cowbell...

 

[debranator]

Yes, there is a contract between Disney and Orange County Sheriffs Dept to provide traffic control on WDW property. They don't go after you if you are only driving 5 miles over the limit. The person screaming about that here is dreaming. I don't believe that poster for the first minute. If you don't speed you won't get a ticket.

People who drive at WDW think they can not be stopped for speeding there and that is false. Driving there for 2 to 10 tens a week for the past 10 to 15 years I have seen some maniac drivers whether they are local or out-of-town. No I agree speed doesn't kill but when you get 2 to 5 speeders together on a stretch of road it can get hairy. I have never received a ticket on WDW and I have probably seen over 2000 sheriff cars waiting for speeders in the past 18 years.

They other strange thing I have noticed is that people want to compete with the big busses on the property. They zing in and out and between them like they are driving a motorcycle. My closest accident on the property came about two months ago when a employee, I assume, driving a truck went through a red light trying to beat a caution going left into the epcot cast parking area. It was a matter of inches and I had a family in the car headed back to SFB. I definitely had the green for the straight ahead. He was driving about 35 or 40 so he could make the caution light left turn. I had seen him speeding for the light and had already started to put my foot on the brake. That second saved us from hitting him or her as the truck crossed in front of me.

I know where you are talking about and it is not a speed trap. It is more employees headed to the parking areas and they do speed and pass cars on a two lane road with curves that could be very hazardous if you try to pass. Many roads at WDW are only two lanes and impatient drivers don't need to be passing slower moving busses or other traffic on those roads.

How can you possibly have a discussion with someone that knows everything..and..is never wrong?

 

[tinkrebell]

A bit off topic here, but what were you wearing on that motorcycle? Nice bright colors or black leather?

I stay away from riding motorcycles because I believe they are dangerous. In many cases, they are hit because drivers of cars just don't see them. There's been a push in my state for motorcycle riders to be better seen. Some of them are wearing the bright orange or yellow vests, like the ones workers on the highways wear. It makes a HUGE difference in being able to see them. They have caught my eye when they are on the other side of the highway going in the opposite direction. Bright is good. Wear it OVER the leathers.

It was a heavily wooded area, but we're pretty big on safety, so we were riding in the afternoon for as much sunshine as we could get wearing VERY loud-print jackets - a red and white jacket for me, bright blue for him, on a shiny, chromed up, maroon and cream BIG bike (Honda Valkyrie).

And thanks for the well wishes from the next poster! I ride as well, so we're both used to adjusting, just hate when it's someone else's problem that we have to do it because we like our safety and I'm sure those people like their cars. Even when I ride along as a passenger, I make sure to wear motorcycle boots - that way, if we do need to suddenly stop, I'm able to transfer all my forward momentum to my footholds and not go slamming into him!

 

[pandaroo]

A great reason to use DME and the internal bus/monorail/boat system.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm starting to see some not so nice posts here people. And, I'm beginning to feel like Roz (from Monsters, Inc.) and I don't like that feeling. Behave!!!

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm starting to see some not so nice posts here people. And, I'm beginning to feel like Roz (from Monsters, Inc.) and I don't like that feeling. Behave!!!

You had to say that! Now I will hear all of your posts in her voice!

What is with you people and having to make us hear voices? First Snape, and now Roz!

 

[keishashadow]

A bit off topic here, but what were you wearing on that motorcycle? Nice bright colors or black leather?

I stay away from riding motorcycles because I believe they are dangerous. In many cases, they are hit because drivers of cars just don't see them. There's been a push in my state for motorcycle riders to be better seen. Some of them are wearing the bright orange or yellow vests, like the ones workers on the highways wear. It makes a HUGE difference in being able to see them. They have caught my eye when they are on the other side of the highway going in the opposite direction. Bright is good. Wear it OVER the leathers.

i've never seen that before, a good idea.

It was a heavily wooded area, but we're pretty big on safety, so we were riding in the afternoon for as much sunshine as we could get wearing VERY loud-print jackets - a red and white jacket for me, bright blue for him, on a shiny, chromed up, maroon and cream BIG bike (Honda Valkyrie).

And thanks for the well wishes from the next poster! I ride as well, so we're both used to adjusting, just hate when it's someone else's problem that we have to do it because we like our safety and I'm sure those people like their cars. Even when I ride along as a passenger, I make sure to wear motorcycle boots - that way, if we do need to suddenly stop, I'm able to transfer all my forward momentum to my footholds and not go slamming into him!

we have a HD, im the one hanging on the back

whenever i see riders out & about w/shorts & sandals I figure they must never have laid down their bike...imo usually when a driver of car miscalculates & cyclist is trying to save their skin. Most bikers i know have some sort of road rash, surely beats the alternative.

OT - not-so-funny joke from my friends who work the ER: what do you call a biker without a helmet? an organ donor.

 

[JB2K]

Question- aren't all the roads on WDW property considered to be private roads? Aren't they built and maintained by WDW? Who sets the speed limits on Disney property?

The public roadways which pass-through WDW fall under the jurisdiction of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. All park/resort areas fall under the jursidiction of WDW Security, since they are more or less "private" areas...

In California (for those curious), everything on Disney property falls under the jurisdiction of the Anaheim Police Dept.

 

[Brian Noble]

All park/resort areas fall under the jursidiction of WDW Security

Unless I'm mistaken, though, WDW Security does not have police powers, and so Orange or Osceola Sheriffs still have to be involved for anything that would require "the police".

 

[disney david]

Unless I'm mistaken, though, WDW Security does not have police powers, and so Orange or Osceola Sheriffs still have to be involved for anything that would require "the police".

Yes your right but Disney securty has to respond to all the call like car crashes to closethe roads or if your car is broken into they have to respond. If you call 911 they send orange county and fhp has to felons to accidents. So they all work together even though Disney securty dose have police powers they still have to felons if someone call 911 to asset it traffic control. If your in dtd they are the first there to control the scene until orange county get there. Oscela stay it in own county unless orange county or fhp call then in to back up orange county has no choice to patrol thief no matter if they have a contract with Disney. Disney a land mark and after sept 11 all land marks needed to beef up securty which Disney did which in turn made orange county has to patrol and respond to all call and put officers at easy park yes Disney paying them but it cheaper then them hiring more securty. Yes they give tickets and yes it makes them money but they are their to keep Disney safe and guest safe. That also why fhp responds to accidents on Disney property. So orange county can be free to patrol Disney. It not like orange county can say no they have no choice Disney falls into orange county and their no local police so the county has to step in. Even if it private property Disney in orange county Florida so they hav to respond and provide police service to Disney.

 

[Edd]

If you are arrested it is by Orange County deputies and you end up in Orange County jail. I have read that is also contracted to Orange county.

 

[truck1]

Yes your right but Disney securty has to respond to all the call like car crashes to closethe roads or if your car is broken into they have to respond. If you call 911 they send orange county and fhp has to felons to accidents. So they all work together even though Disney securty dose have police powers they still have to felons if someone call 911 to asset it traffic control. If your in dtd they are the first there to control the scene until orange county get there. Oscela stay it in own county unless orange county or fhp call then in to back up orange county has no choice to patrol thief no matter if they have a contract with Disney. Disney a land mark and after sept 11 all land marks needed to beef up securty which Disney did which in turn made orange county has to patrol and respond to all call and put officers at easy park yes Disney paying them but it cheaper then them hiring more securty. Yes they give tickets and yes it makes them money but they are their to keep Disney safe and guest safe. That also why fhp responds to accidents on Disney property. So orange county can be free to patrol Disney. It not like orange county can say no they have no choice Disney falls into orange county and their no local police so the county has to step in. Even if it private property Disney in orange county Florida so they hav to respond and provide police service to Disney.

Osceola handles some of the areas the All Stars, and some nearby areas. Thats all in Osceola County.Ive seen them out there several times.Disney property actually extends into both counties. FHP handles all the accidents on property, unless its in a parking lot.

Orange and Osceola both do law enforcement. Depends on where on property the incident is. Orange County has a substation on property, and several ofices backstage, and has both marked and unmarked units on property, as well as undercover officers. There are undercover officers in the parks wandering around, looking like guests, trying not to look like cops. Disney pays a certain amount of money to both SOs, in contract form, for a certain number of officers daily, and its a normal posting,not overtime, within both departments, such as traffic, or K9 would be.

By state law, regardless both SOs, would have jurisdiction, even if Disney did have a true police force.A sheriffs officer can enforce law in a city, if called,or witnessed,(say for speeding.Other then that, theyll call the affected city) but a city cannot come out to the county to do the same.

 

[disney david]

Osceola handles some of the areas the All Stars, and some nearby areas. Thats all in Osceola County.Ive seen them out there several times.Disney property actually extends into both counties. FHP handles all the accidents on property, unless its in a parking lot.

Orange and Osceola both do law enforcement. Depends on where on property the incident is. Orange County has a substation on property, and several ofices backstage, and has both marked and unmarked units on property, as well as undercover officers. There are undercover officers in the parks wandering around, looking like guests, trying not to look like cops. Disney pays a certain amount of money to both SOs, in contract form, for a certain number of officers daily, and its a normal posting,not overtime, within both departments, such as traffic, or K9 would be.

By state law, regardless both SOs, would have jurisdiction, even if Disney did have a true police force.A sheriffs officer can enforce law in a city, if called,or witnessed,(say for speeding.Other then that, theyll call the affected city) but a city cannot come out to the county to do the same.

thank you very much you and magicbus always give the best info. Alot of people dont relize even though your in disney world your still in orange/oscela county florida and still have to follow the law. You still have to be 21 to drink in disney so you should know you have to go the speed limit. Just because some cms speed it not an open invation for guest to speed.