Tuesday, June 15, 2010 Golf Cart Safety Factsheet Residents driving around in golf carts are not an unusual sighting in the Long Neck and surrounding communities. In residential communities, golf carts are used to transport people as recreational vehicles, security patrol vehicles, and groundskeepers or maintenance vehicles carrying tools and equipment. Golf carts are an efficient mode of transportation during the summer months to avoid traffic congestion in residential communities. More often, golf carts are involved in personal injury accidents resulting in injury or death, as well as property damage. To prevent golf cart accidents, all residents who operate golf carts should be trained before using the vehicle. These trainings should include proper procedures for operating and maintaining a golf cart. Operating a Golf Cart • Drivers and passengers should remain seated while the golf cart is moving. • Only authorized persons of legal age should be permitted to operate golf carts. • Never exceed the weight or person capacity of a golf cart. • Golf carts should have proper restraint systems installed and utilized. • Only tow with golf carts specifically designed for towing. • Golf cart operators should adhere to traffic laws. o Slow down and stop at intersections. o Reduce speed when approaching pedestrians, bicycles, etc. o Use safety mirrors. • Reduce golf cart speed when turning. • Do not park golf carts where they may block driveways, doorways, emergency vehicles, intersections, or the normal flow of traffic. • Maintain a safe speed for the golf cart which may depend upon the terrain over which it the golf cart being driven, the weather conditions, and the total weight being carried. • Do not allow occupants of the golf cart to stand while the golf cart is in motion. • Golf carts should be operated at a speed equivalent to a well–paced walk but no faster than 15 mph. • Golf cart passengers should keep hands, arms, legs and feet within the golf cart at all times. • When the golf cart is not in use, secure it with a cable and lock device as well as remove the ignition key. • Never back up without looking to see what is behind the golf cart. • Never shift gears while the golf cart is in motion. • Golf carts should maintain an adequate and safe distance between vehicles. • Do not operate golf carts while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Maintaining a Golf Cart Golf carts should be inspected regularly before use. If the golf cart is in need of repair or maintenance, it should not be driven. • Check tires for proper inflation, cuts or punctures. • Check that the steering is normal. • Check that forward and reverse gear are operational. • Check brakes for proper operation. • Check for any indication of battery fluid leaks. • Recharge the golf cart is the designated charging area in close proximity to a fire extinguisher. • Do not recharge near an open flame or source of ignition. • Do not smoke near a golf cart recharging area. • Only use an approved battery charger which shuts off automatically when the batteries are fully charged. Additional information with respect to golf cart safety can be obtained by viewing the below illustrated web page for information disseminated by the Beebe Medical Center: (1) WGMD 92.7 Radio - http://www.wgmd.com/?p=5387