GOLF CART SAFETY

Getting the right cart is only half the issue when dealing with golf carts. The other half of the job is to ensure the safety of the players. The majority of on-course accidents occur while riding golf carts. Regardless of the number and cause of accidents, one rule of thumb applies to everyone: be safe!

Actions such as standing while inside the cart, driving without paying attention or while drunk, hanging arms or legs out of the vehicle, and taking turns too quickly can all result in unsafe situations. Because these are also some actions that cause accidents on roads, it is obvious that the rules of the road apply even to the cart paths. Here are some guidelines to ensure safety while running a golf cart on the dedicated path.

READ AND OBSERVE SAFETY GUIDELINES

Before getting inside the cart, go through the safety guidelines or warnings written on stickers on the vehicle. Nowadays, most carts do have such stickers. However, reading is only half the job. You also need to adhere to those rules.

MIND YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

While inside the cart, ensure that you do not stand up or stretch your arms and legs outside. If you hang a foot outside while moving, it can result in a sprained or broken ankle or foot. Further, one cannot ignore the impact of obstacles such as twigs or tree branches.

FOLLOW SOME BASIC RULES

When you buy a golf cart, ensure that it has safety belts and do use them while moving around. Furthermore, avoid turning at high speeds to prevent being thrown out of the cart. It is a fact that many people have lost their lives after been thrown from a cart. In addition, if you are driving the cart, consider pressing the accelerator only after individuals are seated.

You should also take care to prevent collision with another cart. For that matter, avoid speeding to a stop in the parking area, especially at the rear of a parked vehicle.

BE VIGILANT

Always keep an eye on the cart path. This might sound obvious but if you fail to watch, distractions can cause your ride to go bad. If you are distracted, your cart can go off the right path and can even cause an accident. You need to be extra alert on paths at intersections, near obstacles, or around the clubhouse. Moreover, avoid driving the vehicle through unsafe places on the course, such as rough terrain, trees, water or ravines.