Golf Cart Accidents in Florida Raise Safety Concerns

The recent death of a 70-year-old man at The Villages community in Lady Lake, Florida has raised new concerns about golf cart safety.  According to the St. Petersburg Times, David Tillman was a passenger in a golf cart when he was ejected as the driver made a left-hand turn.  He later died at the hospital from his injuries.  This tragedy marks the latest in an increasing number of injuries and deaths resulting from golf cart accidents.  According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), “there are approximately 15,000 golf car related injuries requiring emergency room treatment in the US each year.”

Florida residents are particularly at risk in light of the high population of retirees and golf courses.  Additionally, golf carts are increasingly being used on roadways as energy-efficient alternatives to automobiles and scooters.  As a result, the victims of golf cart accidents are not limited to golfers.  In fact, Technology Associates reports that approximately 40% of all golf cart accidents involve children.

Unfortunately, golf carts are not equipped with the same safety devices required for other motor vehicles, including brakes, seatbelts, side mirrors, tail lights, helmets, and airbags, even though they are capable of traveling at 20 miles per hour and may be modified to travel at 40 miles per hour.  The only required safety restraint is a bar on either side of the seat to prevent occupants from falling out, pursuant to ANSI (American National Standards Institute) golf car safety standard Z130.1.  The article by Technology Associates notes, however, that the placement of such a handhold/restraint bar is woefully inadequate to prevent ejection from the vehicle, particularly during sharp turns.

Another factor contributing to injury and death while traveling in golf carts is alcohol consumption.  A 2011 article in Health Day revealed a recent study finding that “alcohol was detected in about 59 percent” of people injured in golf cart accidents.

Given the high rate of accidents and fatalities involving golf carts, the legislature must pass greater safety standards for such vehicles.  Clearly, they were not designed for use on roadways or to exceed speeds of 20 miles per hour, yet golf carts are quickly becoming the preferred mode of transportation among Florida residents beyond the golf course.  Earlier this year, Georgia passed a law creating a separate classification of personal transportation vehicles for golf carts.  The law also sets parameters for local ordinances that would allow golf carts on residential streets and multi-purpose pathways. Finally, “the law requires that golf carts have braking systems, a reverse warning device, tail lamps, a horn and hip restraints.”