Golf carts were originally designed to help adults travel around a golf course with their equipment1. These vehicles were created with adult riders in mind, not children. Kids are at risk on these carts because they are smaller than adults, which means the seatbelts are not designed to properly restrain them. They often cannot reach the floor of a golf cart and may lose their balance more easily when the vehicle is in motion2. Additionally, children typically lack the arm strength needed to hold on securely. Finally, children are neither trained to drive golf carts nor tall enough to safely reach the pedals.
When comparing golf carts and cars, we find that golf carts are less safe than cars. Golf carts lack many standard safety features found in cars, like 3-point seat belts and airbags, which help protect both drivers and passengers. Although golf carts have a maximum speed limit between 12 and 19.9 mph, they are often allowed on roads where cars may be traveling at 30-35 mph, creating an added level of danger.
Despite these risks, golf carts have become a popular way for children to travel around their neighborhoods or even along roads. Consequently, golf cart-related injuries among children have been on the rise3. According to a study by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, over 6,500 children were injured in golf cart-related accidents in 2019 alone. These injuries included cuts, muscle strains, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. Most injuries occur when children fall out, jump off, are struck by a golf cart, or are inside a golf cart that tips over2.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 6 years old do not ride in golf carts, as these vehicles are not designed for the safe transport of young children4.
Whether as a passenger or a driver, golf carts pose significant risks to children due to their limited safety features and oversight. Below are some guidelines to help keep your child safe if they do use a golf cart to get around.
Driver Tips
- Florida law now requires that children have a learner’s permit or driver’s license to operate a golf cart on public roads.
- Although golf carts lack the same safety features as cars, they do have some protective elements, such as lap seatbelts and handgrip bars. If your child drives a golf cart, ensure they know how to use these safety features effectively.
Passenger Tips
- Children should sit with their backs pressed firmly against the seat and ensure that the lap restraint is snug.
- Passengers should place both feet on the floor and hold onto the nearest handgrips to prevent falls or ejections from the cart, especially during turns or when driving on slopes or uneven ground.
Owner Recommendations
- Golf cart owners should ensure their vehicles are well-maintained and that all parts are in proper working order.
- Only allow people of appropriate age to operate the vehicle, and only children over the age of 6 to ride in it.
- Inform all passengers and drivers about the safety features available on the vehicle, such as lap restraints and handgrips.
- Owners should avoid modifying their vehicles to increase speed or height, as these changes can increase the risk of injury.
When used properly, golf carts can provide a safe and convenient way to get around; however, improper use can lead to serious injury, particularly for children. With the above precautions, golf carts can be a safer option for everyone.
For more information about golf cart safety, visit www.healthychildren.org or contact the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a program supported by The Children’s Trust at 305-243-9080.
Citations
- Horvath, Kyle Z., et al. “Fun ride or risky transport: Golf cart-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments from 2007 through 2017.” Journal of Safety Research, vol. 75, 2020, pp. 1-7. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2020.10.002
- Korioth, Trisha. “Golf cart injuries more common in kids than adults.” Parent Plus Column for AAP News, 1 Aug. 2021.
- Marchioli, M., et al. “Nationwide Injury Trends Due to Motorized Golf Carts Among the Pediatric Population: An Observational Study of the NEISS Database from 2010-2019.” Presented at: AAP National Conference & Exhibition, Oct. 8-11, 2021 (virtual meeting).
- Watson, Daniel S., et al. “Golf cart-related injuries in the U.S.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine, vol. 35, no. 1, 2008, pp. 55-59. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2008.03.029
