Golf Cart Safety Tips

If you buy a golf cart to travel around a retirement community or property, it’s important to read the owner’s manual to learn how to safely operate the vehicle. To stay safe, you have to understand how your vehicle works and its seating capacity.

As the driver of a golf cart, you need to follow all traffic laws. These include not operating the vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of illegal narcotics or prescription medications that may impair your ability to drive safely. It’s also important to only use golf carts that are equipped with seatbelts. Also, don’t leave the key in an unattended golf cart unless you want it stolen.

It’s essential to drive slower when in a golf cart. Many carts don’t have doors that keep you inside the vehicle. Avoid speeding, especially when making turns and in bad weather. Slower driving is also best on inclines and declines.

Golf carts are small and not as visible as other vehicles. They also operate silently and are not required to have headlights or brake lights. When you’re about to enter an intersection, use your horn to get noticed.

As with driving any motor vehicle, you want to stay focused. This means no texting, reading, eating, applying makeup or reaching for objects while driving.

When in the golf cart, everyone must keep all arms and legs inside the vehicle. No one should stand in a moving golf cart. This includes the platform at the back of the cart. If seatbelts are available, use them every time. You also need to avoid driving on the sidewalks. Use only streets and designated areas.

Many golf cart accidents happen off the golf course. By following these golf cart safety tips, you know you did everything possible to prevent an accident. If you or a family member were involved in a golf cart mishap in which there was personal injury or property damage, you need to talk with an experienced golf cart accident attorney who can answer your questions and protect your rights.