Back

How to Prevent a Golf Cart Accident

Apr. 23 2021 Safety By Revel 42 of Wilmington

Share

Just like any other type of vehicle you might drive, from a motorcycle to a pickup truck, you can get into an accident in a golf cart. The usage of golf carts has increased significantly in recent years due to their versatility, making them a much more common sight in neighborhoods, gated communities, retirement homes and college campuses, in addition to golf courses. So it’s important to understand that you need to drive your cart responsibly in order to keep yourself, your passengers and other drivers safe.

Revel 42 of Wilmington is your North Carolina golf cart dealer. Read on to learn about how golf cart accidents typically happen and what you can do to prevent them on your part.

Causes of Accidents

Golf cart accidents are caused by many different actions and they can result in serious injuries and damage to your cart. Here are some of the typical causes:

  • Limbs hanging out of the golf cart.
  • Reversing while going downhill.
  • Crossing uneven or wet terrain.
  • Driving while intoxicated.
  • Not paying attention to surroundings.
  • Speeding and driving irresponsibly.
  • Allowing too many passengers to ride at once.
  • Taking sharp turns.

Any of the above causes may result in broken or sprained limbs, whiplash and other neck injuries, concussions and even being crushed by the golf cart. These are serious issues that must be prevented through safe and responsible operation.

Golf Carts & Kids

A third of all golf cart accidents involve children, so it’s very important to be safe, especially with children as passengers. In some jurisdictions, children as young as 13 may operate a golf cart; in North Carolina, the age is 16 and the teenager must have a valid driver’s license first. Extreme caution must be exercised when allowing children to drive and they must be well-versed in the rules of operating a golf cart.

When children are passengers, they must be advised to follow some basic rules:

  • Keep hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times.
  • Wear seat belts if they are provided.
  • Avoid distracting the driver of the cart.
  • Never climb on the cart or over the seats while it’s in motion.
  • Don’t jump off the cart while it’s in motion.

Safe Operation Rules

No matter how old the driver, there are several rules to follow when driving a golf cart:

  • Drive the cart only in good weather conditions.
  • Never drink alcohol or use recreational drugs before or during operation.
  • Exercise care when driving over steep terrain or through mud.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Limit passengers to the golf cart’s stipulated maximum capacity.
  • Lock the brake before leaving the driver’s seat.
  • Don’t park the cart on a hill or incline.
  • Remove distractions such as food, drinks or the radio.

We hope these tips help you to stay safe when driving your golf cart. Stop by our dealership located in Wilmington, NC, to take a look at our wide stock of new and used golf carts for sale. Talk to our staff if you’d like assistance with financing options. Revel 42 of Wilmington serves all of our customers coming from Leland and Carolina Beach, NC.