Golf Cart Safety

As golf cart use has moved off the golf course and into neighborhoods, sporting events, airports, national parks and college campuses, the growing number of golf-cart related injuries has become a concern. The following tips will help keep both drivers and passengers safe while they are using golf carts.

Drivers

  • Drive carts at a reasonable speed.
  • Like a car, drive slower and more carefully during bad weather.
  • Brake slowly, especially on downhill slopes.
  • Avoid sharp turns.
  • Wear seat belts when available.
  • Limit passengers to adults and children six years of age and older.
  • Drivers should be at least 16 years old.
  • Do not operate a cart after drinking alcohol.

Owners

  • Never make post-factory modifications.
  • Establish a regular maintenance schedule to keep the cart in good repair.
  • Require drivers be at least 16 years old.
  • It is illegal and dangerous to disable the cart’s speed governor.

Passengers

  • Keep both feet on the floor at all times.
  • Keep arms and legs inside the cart.
  • Sit back in the seat and use the hip restraints.
  • Wear seat belts when available.
  • Be prepared to use the handgrip to prevent a fall.
  • Do not get on or off the cart until it has come to a complete stop.

Facilities

  • Require all drivers to have a valid driver’s license and to go through a safety/operations training before driving the cart.
  • Have written safety policies.
  • Consider safety in the design of pathways and landscapes where golf carts may be used.

Additional Golf Cart Safety Resources

  • Fun ride or risky transport: Golf cart-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments from 2007 through 2017
  • Golf cart-related injuries in the U.S