Golf carts are an increasingly popular transportation method in neighborhoods and communities in Florida, especially in places like The Villages. While golf carts are an affordable way to navigate communities and golf courses, serious injuries can occur without proper precautions. Over 15,000 golf cart injuries result in hospital visits each year. Florida is among the top three states for golf cart ownership and accidents. However, golf cart accidents can be easily prevented. Here are common causes of golf cart accidents and how to avoid them:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the top causes of motor vehicle accidents, so it stands to reason that distracted driving is a common cause of golf cart accidents. While most people think distracted driving only relates to cell phone usage, there are many other ways drivers can be distracted when operating a golf cart. Talking to other passengers, eating, and listening to loud music can all be distractions. Golf cart drivers must follow all laws that motor vehicle drivers must follow when driving on Florida roadways, such as the Florida Ban on Texting While Driving law.
Reckless Behavior
Reckless driving is extremely dangerous when operating a golf cart. A golf cart has a higher risk of rolling over, so you should slow down and operate the golf cart safely to prevent passenger injuries. Reckless driving includes speeding, racing, joy riding, and turning too sharp.
Intoxication
Driving while intoxicated is another common cause of golf cart accidents and deaths. In April 2023, a South Carolina bride was killed while leaving her wedding ceremony when a drunk motor vehicle driver hit the bridal party’s golf cart. This tragedy is preventable. It’s simple: don’t drink and drive.
Improper Use
Failure to properly operate a golf cart causes accidents and injuries. Drivers under 18 must have a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license to operate a golf cart. Those over 18 just need a government-issued ID to operate a golf cart. This means someone who isn’t authorized to drive a car can drive a golf cart, which can lead to mistakes, accidents, and errors. Some common mistakes drivers make when driving a golf cart include:
- Driving a golf cart on unauthorized areas or roads.
- Forgetting to put on the parking brake when stopping the vehicle.
- Failure to gain speed and rolling backward up a hill.
- Overcrowding a golf cart with too many passengers.
- Inability to drive across rough terrain, like muddy or marshy areas.
Improper Maintenance
Keeping your golf cart in good repair can help prevent accidents and injuries. Golf cart paths should also be free of hazards, debris, potholes, and cracked asphalt. Since many golf cart roads are operated by private organizations and HOAs, it’s important to contact community members if you see issues that need to be addressed.
Passenger Ejection
Even traveling as slow as 11 miles per hour in a golf cart can result in passenger ejection when making a sharp turn. Passenger ejection is one of the most dangerous and severe types of golf cart accidents, potentially causing serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, skull fractures, paralyzation, and death.
What To Do After a Golf Cart Accident
If you’ve been injured in a golf cart accident, seeking medical attention is important. Contact the police and ensure a police report is filed—this will be critical evidence in your case. Then, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. In many cases, auto and homeowners insurance policies don’t cover golf cart accidents. You’ll need to purchase a separate golf cart insurance policy for coverage. If you don’t, you’ll be responsible for damages out of pocket.
File A Claim For Golf Cart Injuries with the King Law Firm
Contact an experienced golf cart injury attorney, such as the King Law Firm, if you’ve been injured in a golf cart accident. We know Florida golf cart laws and use them to help you. We are committed to working hard to ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve for your accident. Feel free to call us at 352-629-8747 for a free consultation.
