Written by Jami S. Oliver
Golf carts have come a long way from the fairways. Today, they’re a common sight in neighborhoods, campgrounds, festivals and even on certain public roads throughout Ohio. While they may seem like a harmless and convenient way to get around, many people underestimate the very real dangers associated with driving a golf cart on the street.
As an Ohio personal injury attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly a seemingly minor golf cart accident can turn into a life-changing event. Before you take your golf cart out for a spin beyond the golf course, it’s important to understand the risks.
Golf Carts Offer Very Little Protection
Unlike passenger vehicles, golf carts are not designed to withstand collisions. Most lack many of the safety features we take for granted in cars, including:
- Airbags
- Reinforced steel frames
- Crumple zones
- Side-impact protection
- Advanced braking systems
In a collision between a golf cart and a passenger vehicle, the occupants of the golf cart almost always face the greater risk of serious injury.
Ejection Injuries Are Common
One of the most significant dangers associated with golf carts is occupant ejection. Golf carts have a higher center of gravity than many people realize and can become unstable during sharp turns, sudden stops or when traveling on uneven pavement.
Passengers can be thrown from the vehicle, resulting in:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial injuries
- Severe road rash
Many golf carts do not come equipped with seat belts, and even when they do, passengers often choose not to use them.
Drivers Often Underestimate Road Hazards
Public roads present challenges that golf carts simply weren’t designed to handle. Potholes, uneven pavement, gravel, standing water and traffic congestion can all contribute to accidents.
Additionally, golf carts typically have lower speeds than surrounding traffic. This speed differential can create dangerous situations when drivers of passenger vehicles fail to notice a golf cart ahead or attempt unsafe passing maneuvers.
Visibility Is a Serious Concern
Golf carts sit lower than most cars, SUVs and trucks. This reduced profile can make them difficult for other motorists to see, particularly:
- At intersections
- During dawn or dusk
- In inclement weather
- On roads with hills or curves
A driver distracted by a cell phone or navigation system may not recognize a golf cart until it’s too late to avoid a collision.
Alcohol and Golf Carts Don’t Mix
Many people mistakenly believe that driving a golf cart after consuming alcohol is somehow safer or legally different than driving a car. That’s simply not true.
In Ohio, operating a golf cart while impaired can lead to many of the same legal consequences associated with impaired driving. More importantly, alcohol significantly increases the risk of accidents and serious injuries.
Children Face Elevated Risks
Golf carts are especially popular in family-oriented communities, but children are among the most vulnerable occupants.
Young passengers often:
- Ride without seat belts
- Stand while the cart is moving
- Ride on the rear platform
- Distract the driver
- Sit on the laps of other passengers or “squeeze in” where a seat doesn’t actually exist
According to numerous safety studies, children account for a significant percentage of golf cart-related emergency room visits nationwide.
Who Is Responsible After a Golf Cart Accident?
Determining liability after a golf cart accident can be more complicated than many people expect.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The golf cart operator
- Another motorist
- A property owner
- A golf cart rental company
- A manufacturer if a defect contributed to the accident
Every case depends on its specific facts and identifying all available sources of compensation is critical when serious injuries occur.
To read more about who is responsible if you’re hurt while golfing, click here.
Bottom Line:
Golf carts can be enjoyable, practical and convenient. However, while they are not miniature automobiles, they should be treated with the same respect and caution as a car.
Golf carts lack many of the modern safety features designed to protect occupants during a crash and the consequences of an accident can be devastating.
Before operating a golf cart on a public roadway, make sure you understand Ohio’s local regulations, prioritize safety and recognize that even a short ride can carry significant risks.
Treat any trip in a golf cart like you would a trip in the car.
- Do not operate a golf cart while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or get in a golf cart driven by someone who has been drinking or doing drugs
- Wear seat belts and make sure each passenger has their own seatbelt
- Obey all rules of the road
- Do not drive while distracted – no phones, excessively loud music or conversation with passengers
- Watch for larger vehicles and leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles, especially in low-light conditions, bad weather or unclear roadways
If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident, speaking with an experienced Ohio personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and determine whether compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Oliver Law Office or its attorneys. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction, and you should consult a qualified attorney in your area for advice regarding your specific situation.
Jami S. Oliver, CEO & Founder of Oliver Law Office in Dublin, Ohio has been practicing injury law in Ohio since 1993 and has been recognized by her peers as a leading professional in the field of personal injury law. Her firm also handles cases related to trucking crashes, wrongful death, complex employment litigation, drug recalls, injuries from defective products and other serious injury matters. For a free personal injury or wrongful death case evaluation click HERE.
