Golf Cart Safety

As golf cart use has expanded to include use off the golf course and in neighborhoods, sporting events, airports, national parks, and college campuses, the alarming 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.

The number one tip for drivers and passengers is to wear seat belts in golf carts when available.

Limit passengers to adults and children six years of age and older. Golf carts do not have safety features to safely transport very young children, and car seats are not appropriately tested for use in most golf carts.

Golf cart drivers should be at least 16 years old. Like a car, drive golf carts at a reasonable speed, and drive slower and more carefully during bad weather. Brake slowly, especially on downhill slopes, and avoid sharp turns. Do not operate a cart after drinking alcohol.

Passengers in golf carts should keep both feet on the floor at all times and keep arms and legs inside the cart. Passengers should sit back in the seat and use the hip restraints. Be prepared to use the handgrip to prevent a fall. Remain seated and do not get on or off the cart until it has come to a complete stop.

Golf facilities and golf cart owners should require drivers be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license and to go through a safety/operations training before driving the cart. Have written/posted safety policies. Consider safety and visibility in the design of pathways and landscapes where golf carts may be used. Never make post-factory modifications. Establish a regular maintenance schedule to keep the cart in good repair. It is illegal and dangerous to disable the cart’s speed governor.