Top 10 Causes of Golf Cart Accidents and What You Can Do to Prevent Them

Golf carts are a very popular mode of transportation in The Villages and the surrounding areas. With the use of golf carts on the rise in large or gated communities comes the increase of golf cart accidents. When not used properly, a golf cart can be just as dangerous as any other motor vehicle.

Golf carts come in many different forms, but all have the purpose of hauling a small number of passengers for a short distance while driving under 15 miles per hour. A number of golf cart deaths and injuries every year throughout the United States prove that golf carts can be dangerous modes of transportation. Injuries and death due to golf carts occur more often than most people think. Travelling at a speed of just 11 miles per hour is enough to eject a passenger during a sharp turn. Injuries from a golf cart ejection can range in severity from bruising to death. Other injuries from golf cart accidents can include fractures, lacerations, concussions, spinal injuries, brain injuries and disfigurement. Golf cart accidents can happen to anyone at any age, however, one-third of golf cart accidents involve children.

Top Ten Causes of Golf Cart Accidents

1. Hanging arms or legs outside of the golf cart.
2. Acceleration downhill in reverse.
3. Driving over uneven terrain.
4. Driving the golf cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
5. Leaving the brake unlocked when exiting the cart.
6. Too many passengers crowding in the cart or standing.
7. Racing or other playing around on the cart.
8. Inattentive drivers.
9. Eating, drinking, talking on the phone or texting while driving.
10. Making sharp turns.

Next time you are in a golf cart, as a driver or passenger, remember to be safe and take all necessary precautions. If you are in the driver’s seat, remember to not take any sharp turns or drive in muddy, watery or uneven terrain that is unsuitable for golf carts. If you are a passenger, remain seated at all times and keep all body parts inside the cart. If you are driving in a car, remember that it is not uncommon to see golf carts anywhere. Keep an eye out for golf carts and and help keep The Villages roadways safe!

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a golf cart accident, a Villages Golf Cart Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help. Call us today at 352-369-5334 or contact us online.