How to Prevent a Golf Cart Accident

In recent years, golf cart usage has expanded beyond the course. Golf carts are now a common sight on academic campuses, retirement communities, and many other places. Unfortunately, this rise in popularity has also resulted in an increased number of accidents. We here at Van Wert Carts want everyone to enjoy themselves while staying safe. That is why we have created this guide to prevent golf cart accidents.

Causes of Accidents

The first step to preventing an accident is to recognize which conditions and behaviors make accidents more likely to occur. In the case of golf cart accidents, some common causes include intoxication, drivers not paying attention, wet or uneven terrain, speeding, allowing more passengers to ride than is safe, taking sharp turns, reversing while going downhill, and not keeping limbs inside the vehicle. One or more of these factors makes it more likely that someone will suffer a broken or sprained limb, a neck injury like whiplash, a concussion, or even being crushed by the cart. Avoiding these behaviors can help you avoid accidents and injury. 

Golf Carts & Kids

It is an unfortunate fact that about one-third of all golf cart accidents involve children. In regards to how old someone has to be to operate a golf cart legally, laws vary between districts. Some states allow operators to be as young as 13, while others require that they be at least 16 and already have a valid driver's license. However, children should know all basic safety rules before they get into a cart, whether they are driving or riding as a passenger. 

Make sure any children in the cart know to keep their hands and feet inside the vehicle, avoid distracting the driver, and stay in their seats for the ride. Children may attempt to climb around on or jump off of a cart still in motion, so make sure to keep an eye on them and have them wear seat belts if possible. It may be necessary to give a safety lecture before the ride, especially with very young children. 

Safe Operation Rules

Never drive a golf cart while intoxicated or at times when the weather makes safe riding impossible. Operators should be aware of their surroundings, watching out for obstacles or risky conditions like steep terrain or mud. It is also essential to remove any potential distractions to the driver, as well as never exceeding the cart’s maximum passenger capacity. The driver should always lock the brake before leaving the driver's seat and never park on a hill or incline. 

We here at Van Wert Carts hope you stay safe no matter where or when you use your golf cart. For more information, visit us at our dealerships in Van Wert, Ohio, and Decatur, Indiana. We are conveniently located a half-hour drive from Fort Wayne, Indiana.