"bouncycat" that started this thread said, "I don't hit TOO many people, unless I can't help it due to them walking in front of me". I have not read this whole thread, but due to a little toddler nearly run down by a ECV in a playground, this caught my eye. Not trying to cause a problem here, just pointing out that this is one of the reasons (maybe) that these leaflets are being handed just to those in mobile devices to be extra vigilant, because this barely 2 yr. old was in her right place and doing what is expected of a child. She could have easily been seriously hurt or killed. These leaflets were for a particular reason, someone in control of a heavy vehicle, not everyone on foot without a heavy machine that would have the "potential" to hurt someone. And the reason I quoted the OP was what she said about not hitting TOO MANY people - say what?? I was one of those and it wasn't my fault. This lady came barreling in to a doorway where I was. The second part of the quote would be understandable. I don't understand why so many are upset about the need for Disney to ask people on mobile devices to be very careful. You're only being "singled out" as some have put it, because you are using one, NOT because of WHY you are using it. I have tried to be diplomatic because some take things the wrong way when none is intended, but I have seen so many reckless ECV drivers (more likely those that may be using them only temporarily) but I also see many courteous, excellent drivers. So I would hope that as with any group, those that need to be reminded would take heed, and those that don't will understand and keep doing what you are doing. Disney has no way of knowing what "few" to hand these leaflets to. This happens in all our lives - the lawful are given rules and regulations that we follow anyway, just like the ones that always break the law get the same rules. I have been told things, or instructed not to do "such and such" in a group when I wouldn't have dreamed of doing it anyway, but I just take it as intended, because I know I'm not guilty. Hope this is taken in the same spirit that I'm writing it in, because it's not meant to offend anyone.
would you like me to define "too many"? OK. i can do that.
first person, I was parked outside of the Jedi Training academy, a good 18 inches behind a lady, I was stopped in the crowd, my chair was OFF. This lady backs up without looking, and hits her ankle on my footplate on my chair. That was the first one.
The second, I was in AK by the Tree of Life, where it gets REALLY crowded. I waited for a long line of people to go thru a narrow path, once I had a lane, I started to go, watching for feet beside me, and this guy comes walking towards me, plowed thru the people cause he couldn't push ME over, his foot got under my wheel, and my wheel went OVER his foot. Because the WALKING person did not have the patience to wait his turn to go thru a crowded area. But, according to the pamplet, if I would have did what it told me to do, I would still be sitting at that same spot, waiting for everyone to get 3 feet away from me so I could move safely.
Third one was a cheerleader going by me to get to her group in line. She just about ended up on my lap. She came up from behind me, and her thigh ran into the back of my armrest. I was maybe barely moving with the line. Again, not my fault.
There have been many times where my 13 yr old son would be too close to me, and his toes get run over. He's my child, he knows to keep a good distance from me, and he doesn't. I pay his medical bills, so I don't complain to disney about that.
Fourth one was last night, I hit my DH's foot, and it was my fault.
I cannot count how many times a child runs right in front of me, or a person stops right in front of me, and I'm able to stop and not hit them. We frequent the parks 2 to 3 times a WEEK. those are my running people over stories. Don't believe me, I can have friends who I visit the parks with post and vouch for my driving.
My family has been hit by far more strollers and people trying to get to somewhere quick by running or power walking, than ECV's or power chairs. Where's their pamphlet? Why is it me who always has to look out for others? That's my point. my chair is clearly my own. Rental scooters, yea, they have to sign a waiver. But with my own, I'm in it EVERY day!! I know the perameters, and where I can go and where I can't go. My body might be failing, but my memory is really good, and I can remember the people that have come in contact with my chair. And not to take offense? How can I not take offense when I'm clearly not guilty myself, but am treated that way?