Previously, we discussed how several design flaws make golf carts fundamentally unsafe. Today, instead of breaking down golf carts further, we want to build them up by describing a few simple design changes that would dramatically reduce the number of golf cart injuries each year.
The truth is, we like golf carts. They’re a convenient way to get around The Villages and other retirement communities. However, the design flaws put riders at risk. Most frightening of all is that riders are often older and more susceptible to severe injury or even hospitalization. These changes are not meant to get rid of golf carts altogether, just make them safer.
Make Seatbelts Standard
Every golf cart sold in the US should come with seatbelts already installed. Seatbelts reduce sliding and ensure that passengers are tethered to the inside of the vehicle. This effectively reduces injuries caused by passengers being thrown from the vehicle or falling under an overturned cart.
Unfortunately, few golf carts come with seatbelts. Seatbelt kits average around $100, or about 20% of the vehicle’s total price. If all golf carts came with seat belts, we’d likely see a huge reduction in golf cart injuries overnight.
Reduce Max Speed
Golf carts aren’t meant to go at their top speed, yet many accidents are the result of drivers pushing vehicles to their limits for an extended amount of time. There’s an expectation that 15 MPH is the “normal speed” when, for many golf carts, that’s dangerously fast.
Due to a golf cart’s high center of gravity, they are at much greater risk of tipping over at high speeds, even when driving in a straight line. The risk of overturned golf carts could be significantly reduced if golf carts had less power under the hood. There’s no point in having a super-charged golf cart that can go 25 MPH if pushing it to 15 will cause a rollover.
If you or someone you love suffered severe injuries in a golf cart accident, you might have a case. If you’d like to schedule a free case consultation with an experienced The Villages personal injury attorney from Collins Law Firm P.A., please send us an email or call (352) 329-8668.