Golf Cart Safety – The Best Ways To Prevent Injury

In days past, golfers preferred to walk a round of golf in order to get the full physical benefit from the exercise and to enjoy a beautiful day. In the late 1940s the first golf cart was introduced, with the intent of allowing golfers with disabilities to enjoy the game.

Today, we have busy schedule and squeezing in a round of golf can be time consuming, which leads to more and more golfers opting to use a golf cart rather than walk. According to the National Golf Foundation, motorized cars are now utilized in about two-thirds of all 18-hole rounds.

Golf Carts - also referred to as golf cars -  have also gained popularity off the course as a way to travel to the beach, a quick run to the grocery store or visiting neighbors. Golf cars are often included with vacation rentals or can be arranged to be delivered to your vacation home.

This increased presence of motorized carts on the golf course and traversing local neighborhoods has led to concerns on cart safety. As with other motor vehicles, improper operation of golf carts can lead to accidents, serious injuries, and even traffic tickets.

The Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA) recommends the following rules for the safe use of golf carts:

• Operate golf carts only from the motorist’s side. No joyriding or showing off, as these actions are not just risky but also breach the etiquette of the greens. This holds true when driving a golf car off the course as well.
• No standing while the cart is moving or trying to drive the cart from the passenger seat. The driver needs to make sure that the travelers are completely seated and securely aboard prior to starting the golf cart.
• To improve golf cart safety in Myrtle Beach, motorists need to keep their entire body inside the vehicle while it’s moving. A hanging foot with a tennis shoe or cleated golf shoe, for example, might easily catch the ground and result in a sprained ankle or broken foot. Limbs extended outside the golf cart may also get snagged by tree branches.
• Go slowly through turns and always be on the watch for any oncoming traffic, whether pedestrian or another vehicle. Extra care should be exercised when driving a golf cart up and down slopes, where the cart should be driven straight and slow. The same applies when driving in reverse, driving on loose surfaces, damp turf or rough terrain.

Golf car safety precautions should be observed until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The parking brake has to be set and the ignition key removed when the cart is no longer in use. The golf cart should never be driven by someone under the influence of alcoholic drinks or drugs.

Golf carts must be driven only in locations where they are allowed. They can seriously damage the golf course, which can impact the game enjoyed by its members and visitors. There are rules that apply to driving your golf car on the street as well, but these rules vary depending on the neighborhood. Check with your HOA or local municipality the ensure you are abiding by the rules and regulations of the area.

Always keeps these safety tips in mind, whether you are driving a cart on the course or around the Grand Strand area on vacation.

Best Golf Cars - Myrtle Beach
1400 Enterprise Ave. Myrtle Beach, SC, 29578
Phone (843) 353-4130
Toll-Free 1-800-972-4654
Fax (843) 448-7772

Best Golf Cars – Market Common
Coventry Crossings Shopping Plaza
1600 Farrow Parkway
Myrtle Beach, SC
843-839-5225