| Golf carts are being used in more ways and in | | | | passengers have little or no time to react and can |
| more places than ever before. You can find them | | | | be subject to extreme head and neck injuries. |
| on campuses, campgrounds, fairgrounds, airports, | | | | There have even been fatalities recorded as a |
| business parks, and even golf cart friendly | | | | result of passenger ejection. But you can |
| communities. Increased usage certainly has its | | | | practically eliminate passenger ejection by installing |
| advantages. They are often times less expensive | | | | seat belts. Golf cart seat belts are relatively |
| and more convenient than normal vehicles, and | | | | inexpensive and the increased safety is worth |
| electric carts help to reduce emissions, making | | | | every penny. |
| them an eco-friendly alternative. | | | | - Number of Passengers: It is a good rule of |
| Unfortunately, though, increased usage equates to | | | | thumb to only carry as many passengers as |
| an increase in accidents. Especially since they are | | | | there are seats available. Overloading your cart |
| not equipped with many of the traditional safety | | | | increases the chances of an accident or injury, |
| features that you would find on regular vehicle. | | | | and the excess weight capacity will cause undue |
| With the exception of street legalities, there are | | | | stress on your engine and tires. |
| very few laws that enforce golf cart safety and | | | | - Watching Hands and Feet: This is a good |
| driving standards. | | | | reminder for young passengers who feel like golf |
| So this is where individual responsibility comes into | | | | carts are big toys. While they are a lot of fun to |
| play. One of the easiest ways to stay safe is to | | | | ride, the fun usually stops as soon as an |
| maintain the same conscious and diligent driving | | | | otherwise preventable injury occurs. Keeping limbs |
| techniques you learned from driving your regular | | | | inside a moving cart is pertinent to golf cart |
| vehicle. Here are some safety tips to consider: | | | | safety. |
| - Speed: While on the golf course, golf carts | | | | - Designated Paths: If you are riding through areas |
| traditionally drive anywhere from 5 - 15 miles per | | | | where other vehicles traverse and pedestrians |
| hour, but it's not uncommon to find carts that can | | | | are abundant, then you should mind your manners |
| travel upward of 25 miles per hour. Just like | | | | and stay on paths designated for golf carts. This |
| regular cars, appropriate speeds in appropriate | | | | reduces the chance of an accident for both you |
| places will help reduce accidents. Take into | | | | and those around you. And as always, pedestrians |
| consideration the weather, the terrain, and those | | | | have the right of way. |
| around you before "smashing the pedal." | | | | - Maintenance: Keeping your cart in good health is |
| - Seat Belts: The most common accident occurs | | | | another way to reduce accidents. Make sure that |
| when the passenger is ejected from the cart | | | | your tires are inflated and your batteries are |
| after the driver makes a sharp turn at a fast | | | | properly charged. Keeping your golf cart running |
| speed or on an uneven terrain. Although this can | | | | smoothly will make for a better and safer ride for |
| seem harmless since golf carts are so low to the | | | | all to enjoy. |
| ground, the truth of the matter is that ejected | | | | |