Occupant Safety Resources

Golf Carts

Golf carts are increasingly popular for various activities beyond the golf course, including neighborhood transportation, recreational use, and events. While they offer convenience, it’s essential to understand safety measures to protect all occupants.

Understanding Golf Cart Safety

  • Design and Limitations: Golf carts are designed primarily for transporting golfers and their equipment around the course. They often lack the safety features of traditional vehicles, such as seat belts and airbags, making it important to follow safety guidelines.
  • Occupant Restraints: Unlike cars, golf carts typically do not come equipped with seat belts. Passengers should always remain seated while the cart is in motion. If seat belts are available, occupants should use them whenever possible.

Guidelines for Safe Golf Cart Use

Driver Responsibilities:

  • Age Requirement: Ensure the driver is a licensed adult. Children should never drive the cart.
  • Stay Alert: Drivers must remain focused, avoiding distractions such as mobile devices. Allow enough time and distance to slow down, as many golf carts have brakes only on the rear wheels, making sudden stops unstable.
  • Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding golf cart operation, as rules can vary based on maximum speed and location.
  • Watch for Hazards: Be aware of your surroundings, including pedestrians, animals, and uneven terrain or steep hills.


Passenger Safety:

  • Limit the Number of Passengers: Only allow as many passengers as the cart is designed to hold. Overloading can compromise stability and safety.
  • Seated Position: Passengers, especially children, must stay seated and avoid leaning over the sides or standing while the cart is in motion.


Maintenance and Safety Checks:

  • Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect the golf cart for mechanical issues, ensuring brakes and steering are functioning properly.
  • Storage of Personal Items: Ensure that belongings are stored securely to prevent distractions while driving.

Child Safety in Golf Carts

  • Supervision: Always supervise children when they are riding in a golf cart. Children should never be left unattended in or around the cart.
  • Proper Seating: If seat belts are available, ensure that children are properly secured. Given that children have a higher center of gravity and may not reach the floor of the cart, they are more likely to lose their balance when the vehicle is in motion.
  • Appropriate Age for Riding: Evaluate whether children are old enough and responsible enough to ride in a golf cart. Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult.
  • Restraint: Consider using a crash-tested option, such as the Lil’ Caddie-Child Positioner for Golf Carts, specifically designed to secure children in golf carts. This device features a 5-point child positioner and is intended for children aged two or older, weighing between 22-85 pounds.
  • Risks for Young Passenegers: The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes prioritizing children’s safety when they ride in golf carts. Injury rates for children riding in golf carts are more than twice as high as for adults or seniors. A University of Texas study found that annual golf cart-related injuries doubled starting in 2020, with 46% of the 235 patients being children. Tragically, 3% of these children died, and most injuries involved extremities. Alarmingly, only 10% of children were restrained, with 41% ejected, most of whom were front-facing passengers.

Additional Resources

  • National Golf Cart Association: Provides information on safe golf cart operation.
  • Local Regulations: Check with local authorities for specific laws regarding golf cart use in your area.

Disclaimer:
The information and materials found on this website are intended for reference and education. To ensure all passengers are using vehicle restraint systems correctly, please consult with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, as well as your vehicle’s owner’s manual and your child restraint owner’s manual.