Golf Cart Safety
By
Golf cart safety is becoming progressively more critical. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 18,000 injuries per year are sustained due to golf cart accidents. This number will likely continue to increase as the popularity of golf carts as forms of transportation also continue to grow. This is especially true in the Northeast Florida region.
Golf cart accidents can pose a risk of injury and morbidity for people of all ages. Golf carts aren’t only for the golf course anymore. Golf carts are becoming a more popular mode of transportation in some neighborhoods. From driving to the community pool or grocery store, more and more golf carts are out on the road.
Family enjoying a ride in a golf cart
Golf Cart Injuries
Injuries sustained from golf cart accidents can range from minor to severe. This is similar to injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. Injuries can consist of fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, concussions, and whiplash. At times, injuries can also be more severe. These would include traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries (SCI), or even death. Therefore, golf cart safety needs to be reinforced. Today, golf carts have become faster, more powerful, and more customizable.
They have increased in popularity in residential neighborhoods, beach communities, and retirement areas. As a result, the number of accidents associated with golf carts continues to rise, and safety recommendations need to be followed. With the increase in teenagers driving golf carts, more injuries are occurring. There are drivers of golf carts that don’t obey the rules just like there are drivers of vehicles that don’t obey the rules. You should follow the same safety rules as if you are driving a car.
Golf Cart Safety Tips
Golf carts parked at community shopping plaza
Some of the most common causes of golf cart accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Sharp turns
- Careless driving
- Hanging arms outside of the golf cart
- Hanging legs outside of the golf cart
- Driving under the influence
There are progressively more and more posts on social media glorifying activities that can result in serious injury. To prevent injuries from occurring resulting in the need for medical attention, a few golf cart safety tips can be followed:
- Always follow the rules of the road, whether in a neighborhood, on the street, or in a community.
- Be sure to yield to pedestrians, drive defensively, and always be aware of your surroundings while being prepared for anything that may happen.
- Keep your hands and feet in the golf cart at all times and remain seated while the golf cart is in motion.
- Be sure to stop the golf cart fully, and lock the brake before exiting.
- Never drive the golf cart while under the influence of any alcohol or controlled substances that may impair reaction times, decision-making capabilities, or attentiveness.
- Avoid making sharp turns and driving on steep or uneven, terrain which may result in the golf cart tipping over.
- Follow specific golf cart designations for passenger limit. Do not overcrowd or overload the golf cart and never allow passengers to stand on the rear of the cart.
- Avoid driving while distracted, which may consist of texting, eating, or reaching for items.
Golf carts can be a fun mode of transportation and they should be driven with respect to rules of the road.
Golf Cart Injury Treatment
If you follow these tips for golf cart safety, common golf cart injuries can be prevented. In the event an injury does occur, treatment is available at Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute (JOI).
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By: Steve Borkowski, PT, MPT, MTC