Golf carting is a liberating, fun time; even when using a golf cart for essential everyday tasks, it’s an enjoyable experience no less. Though a golf cart may seem safer and easier to drive than your standard car, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind when hitting the road.
The Basics
Before operating a golf cart, make sure you’re legally allowed to be on the road, to begin with. In Florida, you must be at least 14 years of age to operate a golf cart and do not need a license. You should never drive under the influence, whether it be by alcohol, drugs, or narcotics. You should also never drive while distracted. Do not text, talk on the phone, or eat while driving; your distractions should be completely limited. Keep the parking brake set when parked, and never leave the keys in your golf cart when unattended. Be very wary when driving in bad weather, and use caution; you might not mind getting hit with a little rain, but more serious weather poses a lot of danger.
Passengers
There’s no better way to enjoy your golf cart than by taking your family and friends out while you ride, too. However, there are things you need to keep in mind so that you and your passengers stay safe. For one, you should never drive more passengers than there are seats; do not squeeze in more than you have room for, or have people sitting on top of each other. All passengers should also always be seated, and never have their arms, legs, or feet outside of the golf cart. This includes never being on the back platform of the vehicle (unless there are seats).
On the Road
If you have a street legal golf cart, you’ll probably be wanting to take it on the road. Golf cars are significantly more vulnerable than cars, so make sure to always be aware of the inherently more dangerous nature of driving in a golf cart when there are also cars on the road. You will need to have seat belts equipped for the driver and all passengers, and they should be fastened at all times. You should also have the headlights and brakes equipped that street legal carts require.
When backing out, always check your surroundings first. After all, you have the advantage of being windowless, with lots of visibility. When driving your golf cart on the road, use your arm and hand signals to indicate your turns; the turn signal lights can sometimes be hard to see. When you do turn, make sure to check your blind spots first. If you are making a left turn, you should yield to the thru traffic lane, then merge into the lane before turning left.
You should always keep a close eye on your speed. Avoid sharp turns at high speeds, and always drive as straight as possible when traversing slopes; the risk of passenger ejection is lower when going straight. Never go above the speed limit, and always keep the speed down when driving conditions are compromised.
Find some of the safest, state-of-the-art golf carts from St. Augustine down to Ormond Beach at Tee Time Golf Carts. With the best brands on the market, EZ-Go and Tomberlin, you’re sure to have a top-line golf cart that you can always count on for both fun and safety.
