How to Prevent a Golf Cart Accident

Since their inception, golf carts have expanded beyond the course and can be found in neighborhoods, gated communities, retirement homes, and on college campuses. Of course, the more popular golf carts become, the more important it is to understand how to prevent an accident. That is why Under the Sun Golf Cars has created this guide to avoiding golf cart accidents.

Causes of Accidents

There are many factors that can lead to a golf cart accident. Some accidents are caused by risky or foolish behavior, like letting limbs hang outside the cart, driving while intoxicated, carrying more than the recommended number of passengers, speeding, or simply not paying attention to your surroundings. There are also certain conditions under which it is unsafe to drive, like uneven or wet terrain, paths with sharp turns, or reversing while going downhill. 

Any of these behaviors or conditions can result in serious injuries, including broken or sprained limbs, whiplash and other neck injuries, concussions, and even being crushed by the golf cart. Responsible golf cart operation can help you avoid these problems. 

Golf Carts & Kids

A third of all golf cart accidents involve children, so extra care must be taken when transporting younger passengers. Though the rules on how old someone must be to operate a golf cart vary from state to state, any children driving a golf cart should be supervised by an adult. Remind children to follow basic rules like keeping their hands and feet inside the vehicle, wearing a seat belt, not distracting the driver, staying in their seat while the cart is in motion, and not exiting the cart until it has made a complete stop. 

Safe Operation Rules

The same safety rules that apply to children apply to adults as well. In addition, make sure to only drive the cart under good weather conditions, avoid any potential distractions like eating while driving, take care when riding over hazardous terrain, and limit passengers to the cart’s designated maximum capacity. The driver should be sober and aware of their surroundings at all times. Do not park on an incline, and lock the brake before leaving the driver’s seat. Make sure that all of your passengers, no matter their age, know these rules and do not engage in risky behavior. 

For more on golf carts, visit Under the Sun Golf Cars. We have two dealerships, one in Bracey, Virginia, and one in Youngsville, North Carolina, so feel free to visit!