Golf Cart Accidents—shocking Information You Must Know

The golf course is a place where people are supposed to have fun and enjoy the camaraderie among players of this revered sport. However, these pleasant circumstances have been marred by an increasing number of accidents and injuries all because of an almost innocuous-looking vehicle—the golf cart.

A recent study showed that the number of injuries resulting from golf cart accidents increased by more than 130% during the 1990–2006 period. In that seven-year span, it was estimated that almost 147,700 golf-cart-related injuries were treated at US hospitals. The main reason for these injuries was either falling or jumping from a moving golf cart. More than 30% of these golf cart accidents involved children, the study also showed.

Based on this study, most of the golf cart accidents could be avoided just by common sense of refraining from jumping from a cart in motion, and by closely supervising children in the golf course. Golf club authorities also offer some further advice on golf cart safety.

First is that the rules of street driving also apply when using golf carts. The cart driver must always pay attention to the path he or she is taking. A sharp turn at very high speed is an invitation to disaster as a golf cart could easily flip over and injure its passengers and driver. Drinking alcoholic beverage and driving a golf cart also do not mix.

Additionally, the cart driver should check the golf course rules on golf cart use. Before driving onto the golf course, the driver should ensure that the golf cart is allowed in a particular area. Golf course conditions could change from day to day, and as a result, golf cart restrictions could be adapted to the new course conditions.

There are general rules to follow though when driving onto the fairway which will contribute in avoiding golf cart accidents. One of these rules is to never to take the golf cart within hazard boundary lines. Driving the golf cart within 50 yards of the greens or within about 10 yards of bunkers and water hazards is likewise prohibited. Golf cart wheels are likely to damage these particular areas. Places close to tee boxes are also restricted to golf carts which should likewise be never driven through mud and on some fairways. In particular, when driving to a par 3 hole, the golf cart is restricted to the cart path even if such vehicle is allowed on fairways of par 4 and par 5 holes.

Specific cart signs posted in the golf course should be followed. The “cart path only” sign indicate that the vehicle should be driven only at the cart path at all times; no driving on the grass. Sometimes this “cart path only” rule may not be in effect, but it is also advisable to always avoid driving onto the grass. Soil compaction that usually results in adverse growing conditions for turf grasses is caused by constant golf cart traffic. Although not a likely trigger for golf cart accidents, this soil compaction can eventually result in fairways not too ideal for playing.

By: Robert W. Edwards

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