The following is one of the best studies I have seen on this topic.
Quoting from the article:
Study Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess current trends and identify key issues and best practices for safely accommodating golf carts and low-speed vehicles (LSVs), particularly neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), within community transportation networks. The study was commissioned by the AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) in response to increasing requests for information on the topic from state AARP offices and city planners. Numerous states and communities are grappling with legislative proposals to address the increasing use of LSVs and golf carts for everyday travel on local streets and paths. These policies are relevant to all age groups but have a particular significance to older adults.
The conclusions and recommendations are found starting on page 20. I will highlight a
few of them.
*Ensure that policy makers, law enforcement officials, city planners, and the public are fully aware of the vulnerability of golf carts compared to LSVs and LSVs compared to passenger cars.
*Provide law enforcement agencies with the resources necessary to enforce laws governing LSV and golf cart use.
*All golf carts and LSVs should be registered with the appropriate local or state government agency.
*Require that both golf carts and LSVs be appropriately insured before their use on public and private roads and trails.
*Enforce 20 mph speed limits on multiuse trails.
*Invest in data collection, analyses, and research that will help American communities safely integrate golf carts and LSVs into their transportation networks.
Many of the recommendations in the study have already been implemented and are working well in the Villages. Others need and should be addressed.
http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/ppi/.../insight54.pdf