Have you recently daydreamed about riding around in a brand-new golf cart and wondered what the advantages are and are there any safety tips for driving a golf cart? A golf cart can be a handy mode of transportation to more locations than just the golf course. You can, of course, use a golf cart to transport you around the golf course, transport feed around your farm, or ride about your neighborhood or retirement community.

In general, new and used golf carts are relatively economical. On average, a brand-new golf cart with all the bells and whistles costs just a few thousand dollars and come with a ton of benefits!

A golf cart’s parts, maintenance, and upkeep are also relatively inexpensive, with most parts costing no more than a few dollars. Also, if you ever need to take your golf cart to a tech, repairman, or golf-cart repair business, the cost will be significantly lower than at a regular vehicle repair shop. Aside from routine maintenance, golf cart owners need to be mindful of a few things.

Just like any vehicle, if a golf cart is misused, it can be harmful. We’ve compiled a list of top golf cart safety tips to help keep you and others safe on the road.

Keeping Safe While Driving Golf Carts

The arrival of warmer weather means that folks will dust off their golf carts and hit the links if they haven’t already. Expect to see more golf carts this time of year depending on where you live and where you’re traveling. They may be allowed to be driven on city streets.

Although golf carts are relatively safe, it’s vital to remember that they are still considered cars and that accidents can still occur. You can have a lot of fun on a golf cart, but if you don’t act safely, you risk getting seriously hurt or hurting someone else. Here is some safety advice that we have compiled that may be useful to you.

Drive Responsibly!

Anybody riding in your golf cart should always keep their arms and legs inside the automobile. You’ve probably heard the warning, “Please keep your arms and legs inside the train (car, vehicle, etc.) until it comes to a complete stop,” if you’ve ever visited an amusement park. Golf carts are the same way. You should be inside the cart with all your limbs if the cart is in motion. This can prevent injury from unexpected obstructions. Do not leave keys in a golf cart while unattended and always make sure to set the parking brake.

Limit Passengers

A fixed number of people can ride on golf carts. Never load your cart with more passengers than available seats. This is one of our most important safety tips for driving a golf cart.

If your cart is designed for two people, you can only have one person ride with you while driving. Arms and legs should always remain in the vehicle; if your cart is equipped with them, seat belts should always be fastened. Pay attention to the weight recommendations of your vehicle and do not try to squeeze in extra passengers.

Obey the Law

You are regarded as operating a motor vehicle when you use your golf cart on a city street. The same traffic regulations that apply to a standard passenger automobile also apply to a golf cart. Standard traffic laws prohibit speeding, tailgating, and other forms of hazardous driving. Everyone must be seated, keep their arms and legs inside the cart, and follow traffic laws.

Don’t Get Distracted

Don’t drive distracted is another one of our top safety tips for driving a golf cart! The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) says distracted driving is “any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.”

Automobile accidents are all too frequently caused by distracted driving.

It can be simple to assume that texting or checking your phone while driving your golf cart is safe because you are moving at such low speeds, so no one could get hurt.

The fact remains that you are operating heavy machinery. You must maintain attention on the road in front of you. Never drive recklessly. Be courteous to other drivers and obey vehicle traffic laws and road rules.

You have safety equipment like side view mirrors to help you be aware of your surroundings. Use them!

Use Platforms Correctly

Remember that platforms on your golf cart’s back, sides, or front are not intended to accommodate additional people. These platforms are used to transport objects like shopping bags and golf bags. Never use your cart while someone is seated or standing on one of these platforms.

No Drinking & Driving!

It’s common for folks to drink a couple of alcoholic beverages while playing golf or taking a leisurely afternoon stroll across the city. Please do not operate your cart if you’ve been drinking. It’s the responsible thing to do for yourself and for others. You run the risk of getting pulled over for drunk driving or getting into an accident that leaves you or others seriously injured.

Make Slow Turns

Turning to the left is riskier than most people realize. If you don’t look out for your blind areas, you run the risk of cutting someone off. No matter which direction you are turning, use hand gestures to communicate, especially if your car lacks turn signals.

Before turning, check both ways and yield to oncoming traffic. Always check blind spots before turning. When making a left-hand turn, yield to the through-traffic lane and merge into that lane before turning left. Use caution while tuning, and look behind your golf cart before backing up.

Drive Slowly

Take note of the state of the roads. Driving at peak speed on a straight, smooth section of the road might be acceptable, but it might not be on gravel or a street with curves and sharp bends. Drive at a speed appropriate for the weather and the conditions of the road you are on.

Starts & Stops

Avoid abrupt starts, accelerations, and stops. Your passengers run the risk of injury if you drive erratically. It is hazardous for pedestrians and other drivers if you drive on a neighborhood street at excessive speeds. Be mindful that you are operating a vehicle. You ought to drive your golf cart the same way you drive your automobile, assuming you do so securely. Avoid distractions while using your golf cart. No matter the size of the vehicle, it’s still an automobile.

Beware of Inclement Weather

When driving your cart outside, keep an eye on the weather. Golf carts should not be driven during thunderstorms because they are susceptible to lightning strikes. Do your best to stop and go to safety if you encounter hazardous weather that you weren’t expecting.

Look Out for Pedestrians

Always give way to pedestrians when driving your golf cart. That implies you should yield to anyone strolling in front of you on a trail or cart path on the course. Most of the time, if not always, pedestrians have the right of way. Watch out for individuals since you could face criminal or civil liability if your golf cart hits a pedestrian.

Conclusion

There are several things to remember while driving a golf cart. Regardless of being a small vehicle, a golf car is capable. That means it can cause injuries to the one driving it, to passengers, or to the people in its path.

While driving a golf cart, you need to be as careful as you are while driving your regular car. Always give way to pedestrians when driving your golf cart.