How to Prevent a Golf Cart Accident

As golf cart usage has expanded beyond the course to include academic campuses and retirement communities among other places, the number of golf cart-related accidents has unfortunately also increased. That’s why the experts at Sundance Custom Golf Carts, Inc. have created this guide to preventing golf cart accidents.

Risk Factors 

Certain behaviors can increase your likelihood of getting into a golf cart accident. These include intoxication, distracted driving, going faster than is safe, transporting more passengers than you have seats, taking sharp turns, letting your limbs hang out while the vehicle is in motion, and reversing your kart while going downhill. Avoiding these behaviors will help you reduce your risk of suffering an accident. Certain environmental conditions like wet or uneven terrain can also increase your risk of suffering an accident. While these factors are mostly out of your control, remember that the choice to not operate your golf cart if conditions are unsafe is always there. 

Golf Carts & Kids

Unfortunately, about one-third of all golf cart accidents involve children. While the minimum age to legally operate a golf cart varies by district, all children who ride on your cart should know the basic safety rules, whether they are driving the cart or just a passenger. These include keeping hands and feet inside the golf cart at all times, remaining seated while the cart is in motion, and not distracting the driver. You may need to give the children a safety lecture before the ride, especially if they are on the younger side. 

Safe Operation Rules

It’s also important that the golf cart operator know and follow the safety rules. These include not riding while intoxicated or in adverse weather conditions. Overall, operators should strive to be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye out for potential obstacles. Other safety rules include eliminating distractions and not exceeding the cart’s maximum passenger capacity. Finally, the operator should know to always lock the brake before leaving the driver’s seat and to never park on a hill or other incline. 

For more information or to shop our selection of golf cart models, visit Sundance Custom Golf Carts, Inc. in Coronado, California. We also offer golf cart servicing, financing, parts, rentals, and trade-ins. We are proud to serve communities like San Diego, California.