Staying Safe: 9 Golf Cart Safety Tips by Alicia Chase

If you're an avid golfer, you've probably used a golf cart many times. But while these little vehicles sure do come in handy on the golf course, they're also a necessity in other situations, such as in amusement parks, zoos, investment properties, and so forth. Golf carts help staff get around large properties quickly and efficiently, and also allow the transportation of other passengers and products.

But golf carts can become dangerous if they aren't used properly, and the way they were intended. In fact, accidents involving golf carts occur a lot more frequently than you might have imagined. Thousands of accidents happen every year, most of which could have been prevented. How the carts are maintained and operated makes all the difference in how safe you and your passengers are when driving around in a golf cart.

With approximately 15,000 injuries occurring each year in the US as a result of golf cart operation, it just makes sense to do what it takes to stay safe.

Considering these numbers, you should do your due diligence to make sure you operate your golf cart as safely and responsibly as possible.

Staying Safe When Operating a Golf Cart

If you use a golf cart on a regular basis, or are planning to in the near future, consider keeping the following tips in mind to make sure you and your passengers are safe at all times.

Slow Down When Making Turns

Turning corners with a golf cart isn’t like rounding the bend with a sports car. Instead, with golf carts, slowing down is absolutely imperative. In fact, you can topple the golf cart over by going as slow as 11 mph! So make sure you slow down well ahead of time before you approach a corner to prevent this from happening.

Wear Your Seat Belt

Whether you’re the driver or a passenger in a golf cart, seatbelts are a must. Any quick turn or bump can send you going in a direction you may not have intended. And considering the fact that there are no side doors to keep you from falling out the sides, it just makes sense to buckle up. After all, it only takes a second.

Keep the Cart Properly Cared For

Having a golf cart is just like having a car. It needs to be maintained and cared for. If at any point repairs are needed, do them right away. Get in touch with a reputable golf cart dealer that can provide you with the parts needed to get your cart back up to par.

Honk Your Horn at Intersections

If you happen to be crossing in areas where other vehicles will be traveling perpendicular to your path, you might want to use the horn that comes equipped in golf carts to alert any on-comers of your approach. Honking your horn in certain scenarios can really be lifesaving.

Use Due Diligence

Whenever you’re on a roller coaster or a bus, you probably heard the same instructions and warnings every time: "Keep arms and legs inside the cart at all times." This instruction may sound cliché, but it really is an important one to follow. If you’re going to be riding around in golf cart, make sure to keep your limbs inside in order to avoid serious injury. And while you’re at it, make sure you stay seated, and never let anyone else in the cart stand up at any time while the cart is in motion.

Don’t Over-Pack the Cart

Only carry people that you have enough seating area to accommodate. Never try to fit in extra passengers.

Don’t Leave the Keys in the Cart Unattended

This is especially true if there are kids in the cart. All it takes is a couple of seconds for anyone within the cart to take the parking brake off and set the cart in motion.

Don’t Drink and Drive

Operating a golf cart is like operating a regular vehicle that you’d take out on the road. As such, it’s imperative that you don’t drink while driving a golf cart. Being inebriated clouds your judgment and takes your control away over your actions. Cracking a cold one while driving a cart is a bad idea. Keep in mind that golf carts are essentially subject to the same traffic laws as your average vehicle.

About the Author: Alicia Chase is a property manager who often uses golf carts as a means to get around expansive properties. She’s often used the parts and services of Blockbuster Golf Cars Inc., and has had nothing but excellent experiences each and every time.

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