Villages Residents Adding Seat Belts to Golf Carts

Business is booming for a man in The Villages who installs seat belts in golf carts after news of deadly golf cart accidents, including one on Saturday that killed two people.

The 65-year-old owner says in the last 2 years he has installed 1,200 seat belts in golf carts throughout The Villages.

While golf carts are not required to have seat belts, many residents feel safer with these safety features installed on their carts.

Reports indicate that there were 17 golf cart crashes last year and 10 so far this year.

Last Sunday, two women were killed in a multi-vehicle crash involving golf carts in The Villages.

With so many golf carts being used in retirement communities, like The Villages, it is reasonable to think of safety features as a necessity on these vehicles that are being used for everyday transportation. Many golf cart accidents are caused by driving over uneven terrain, driving with too many passengers, sharp turns, and distracted driving. Installing seat belts could prevent a good amount of injuries and even deaths that result from golf cart crashes.

Some other ways to be safe on golf carts include:

• Keep arms and legs inside the vehicle
• Never operate a cart (or any vehicle) while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Obey all traffic rules
• Be aware of surroundings and drive defensively
• Exercise caution over steep or uneven terrain
• Slow down around corners, public roads, and bumps

Most importantly, remember that a golf cart is still a vehicle and should be treated as such. Always use common sense and be cautious.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a golf cart accident in The Villages, our Villages Golf Cart Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. Call us today at 352-369-5334 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.