golf cart seat belts (The question)

[Talk Host]

The question was raised in another thread about seat belts in golf carts. We have them in our cart, and would not be without them. It is just like our car. The very first thing we do, is buckle the belt, and ask our passenger to do the same. I have had two emergency stopping situations and the seat belts proved their worth. (both emergency stops occurred at the same intersection where a car turned "right" across the golf cart lane on Legacy Lane)

Since we have lived here (four years) the wives of two of our friends have been thrown from their carts to the pavement in sharp turn situations.

The seat belts are an absolute must in our cart.

[DENNIS G]

They are definitely an asset. Last February, we were involved in a cart accident. A Caddy ran the stop sign and collided with us. I was thrown from the cart, my wife up against the windshield and down onto the steering wheel bending it down (was custom wheel). Totaled our cart, I received rib and shoulder injury, my wife received permenant injury to her legs. We wear our belts all the time now.

[Russ_Boston]

Jan, Dennis,

Are they lap belts only? Are shoulder belts possible in a cart?

Also - Can the golf cart be rigged with a roll cage as the upper supports? Might not look any different.

Russ

[Sidney Lanier]

How (where?) can one get seat belts installed in one's golf cart? Is there any place we can get to by the golf cart to have it done, or do we have to have it picked up? Can anyone recommend someone who does 'house calls'? Or is it something we can do ourselves by buying a kit? We have always sworn by seat belts in our cars; I remember back in the '60s, before seat belts were standard in cars, having them installed. Thanks for all suggestions!

[JohnN]

interesting thread

[billethkid]

In lieu of seat belts it helps to slow down!!

BTK ;D

[l2ridehd]

These work fine in a golf cart and are easy to install. Just need to drill a hole and install.

http://www.aapd.net/CMPdetail.aspx?ID=4190&Gbase

http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/golf-cart-seat-belt.html

[SteveFromNY]

Or you can get one of these....looks kind of like a golf cart....has a roll cage and 3 point seat belts.

http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/SubCategory.aspx?id=27

(Of course, I am kidding... ;D )

[l2ridehd]

I like it. Can I get it with turf tires and a golf bag strap on the back?

[BOMBERO]

I thought that I could just sit back, read everyones' posts, and get a few chuckles. Well
I would like to ask you all a question. Have ANY OF YOU (from the administrator of this site too the people who don't live in the Villages or own a golf cart ) ever attended the
Golf Cart Safety Course put on by the VHA? They don't recommend the use of seat belts.
Take the time to get the answers to important questions from the experts. The class is free. It's listed in the newspaper. Experts from Public Safety , the Insurance Industry, and others will answer all your questions and explain everything you need to know to safely drive your golf cart .
Who feels sorry for a person who hits a post with a cart on the Morse North Circle and gets hurt? These posts are placed where a road enters the circle. You should STOP before them. They are lighted and marked by yellow tape.

Just putting in my 2 cents. I don't have 500 posts on TOTV but I did attend the class.

LET'S ALL SLOW DOWN. To all the people worrying about the developer making seven cents on a garbage bag.... The traffic ticket for speeding or going thru a stop sign in a golf cart in Sumter Co. is approx. $185.00 each.

[Peggy D]

My understanding is that a golf cart is not licensed (no license plate) How then do you report someone who disregards simple traffic rules, or worse yet, plows into you and then leaves?

Why are there so many idiot drivers in TV? Or maybe it's the same few people who can't get the golf cart thing or can't drive the round abouts.

[Peggy D]

Or you can get one of these....looks kind of like a golf cart....has a roll cage and 3 point seat belts.

http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/SubCategory.aspx?id=27

(Of course, I am kidding... ;D )


Don't laugh Steve, My hubby operated one of these at his job at Amtrak. He said they run forever and are like a tank.

Seriously considerating one when we move to TV. Let someone run into THAT!!

Don't know if they would allow one on the golf course tho'!! ;D

[Russ_Boston]

Bombero - Just curious, why do they say not to use seat belts?

[SteveFromNY]

Don't laugh Steve, My hubby operated one of these at his job at Amtrak. He said they run forever and are like a tank.

Seriously considerating one when we move to TV. Let someone run into THAT!!

Don't know if they would allow one on the golf course tho'!! ;D


For use on the course, you need certain type and size tires - can't be digging up the fairways with cleated off-road type tires. I wasn't laughing at the machine itself (I've been looking at them too), just the implausable answer to the question "Can I get seat belts and a roll cage on my golf cart?", "Yeah, buy this instead".)

[Talk Host]

I thought that I could just sit back, read everyones' posts, and get a few chuckles. Well
I would like to ask you all a question. Have ANY OF YOU (from the administrator of this site too the people who don't live in the Villages or own a golf cart ) ever attended the
Golf Cart Safety Course put on by the VHA? They don't recommend the use of seat belts.



I respectfully disagree with the "experts" on the seat belt question. And to answer our question, YES I have. And, there is no question that the majority of the villages residents disobey the speed limit and stop sign laws in both their cars and golf carts.

[Becky]

Another one here who would like to know why set belts are not recommended by the Golf Safety people? Does Golf Cart Connection install them?

Thanks! ;D

Becky

[l2ridehd]

They don't recommend them because then your getting closer to street legal. Par Car sells there carts with seat belts as an option. And if you want your cart street legal, they are required.

[Russ_Boston]

In other words - "you don't have seat belts in these babies so drive SLOW or you'll be hurt".

Sounds like a dad who tells his daughter to stay away from boys instead of teaching her about safe sex.

Almost laughable!

[Talk Host]

I thought that I could just sit back, read everyones' posts, and get a few chuckles.



I am glad that what we say here on Talk of The Villages provides a few "chuckles" for you. I hope that mixed in with your amusement, you find something of educational value. The 4,000 members of this forum represent some of the finest brains with the most fantastic backgrounds in the country. I'm sure after you post a few more times, you will find the members are more than things of amusement.

[Sidney Lanier]

If the SOLE reason that seat belts are NOT recommended on golf carts is to encourage their drivers to drive slower, (1) that's utterly bizarre, (2) that's the perfect reason TO install AND USE seat belts in our golf carts (we're not the only drivers out there...), and (3) I agree with Talk Host to disagree with the recommendation NOT to install and use them!!!

[handieman]

I cannot, for the life of me, figure why seatbelts wouldn't be a safety feature?? I'm recalling how many times, I myself or my passenger has slid to the outside of the bench seat during a sudden turn. That in itself, tells me I need a seatbelt.
That being said I just ordered two retractable seat belt kits to match the color of my seat covers and will install them when I arrive next month. If anyone would like a report on the functionality of these, let me know. If I spend the summer in TV I will be available to do some installations, if you like.
Handie :joke:

[Ceevee]

I read all these comments and still wonder why the VHA recommends not wearing seat belts. Of course , I haven't been to That meeting and havin been away for a while I'm taking the easy way---Going to TOTV. My Tomberlin came equipped with belts which I tho't was a real Plus. Thanks

[renielarson]

I think about the times I put my toddler grandsons in my cart for a ride. And...how I didn't have seatbelts.I think about today...when my son called me to tell me about a little girl I met at his son's 3rd birthday party.
She died today...complications of pneumonia...only 3 years old
My thoughts travel back to my unbelted grandsons...

[Pete]

Handie, how much are you charging for insatallation??

with the seat belts

or just labor

[handieman]

Handie, how much are you charging for installation??

with the seat belts

OR just labor

$15-20 you buy the belts. I found that Yahoo website link very user friendly and if you click "help me choose my belts" it guides you through the whole process. They have manual and retractable in colors also :bigthumbsup:
Handie :joke:

[renielarson]

handie....please post the link to the yahoo website you are referring to

[BOMBERO]

Ask when the next class is. I don't remember why they don't recommend seat belts. Before you agree with the Talk Host or me, go to the class and ask. If you are willing to ask someone not even here, why would you not ask the people who are trying hard to make the Villages a safer place?

Joy Tolan, Chairperson
VHA Safety Clinic
750-5368

Classes are held at the Savannah Center.
Maybe they know when the next one is.

Look in the Sun or The Villages Voice
www.thevillagesvoice.com

[villages07]

Through the wonders of Google, I found a Fed Govt research paper on golf cart seat belts. The pdf link below is a 9MB file, including pictures from cornering tests using unbelted and belted test dummies.

It appears that the golf cart manufacturer's position was that seat belts for low speed vehicles are detrimental in rollover incidents because the person is trapped. If unbelted they can escape before the rollover is complete. The govt study implies that rollovers are less likely than being ejected during a fast cornering maneuver and that belts are effective in these incidents.

Here's the link for you wonks that like to read Govt Studies:

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-01/esv/esv19/05-0431-W.pdf

[Russ_Boston]

Great link find V07!

I've been thrown from a golf cart on the golf course and it was no fun! I can't imagine if it was into oncoming traffic. The pics on this PDF are enough to make me opt for belts.

From the report it appears that the problem with belts lies in hip belts only. This was a problem in cars for many years and was solved with the invention of the shoulder strap restraints that are now mandated.

If i can find a LSV that includes shoulder restraints then that will be my choice. I'm sure I won't use the belts on the golf course but they will go on as soon as i hit the TV roads.

Again, Great research V07!

[handieman]

handie....please post the link to the yahoo website you are referring to


http://wescoperformance.stores.yahoo.net/golf-cart-seat-belt.html

[renielarson]

I've been looking at seatbelts to buy but have a couple of questions I'm hoping someone will answer for me.

What is the best type of buckle...the lift lever or the push button (or does it boil down to personal preference)?

Which length is best for golf carts...60" or 74"?

If I were in TV I could go out to my cart and measure for length but since I'm doing this long distance, I want to make sure I get the right size.

[renielarson]

I've been looking at seatbelts to buy but have a couple of questions I'm hoping someone will answer for me.

What is the best type of buckle...the lift lever or the push button (or does it boil down to personal preference)?

Which length is best for golf carts...60" or 74"?

If I were in TV I could go out to my cart and measure for length but since I'm doing this long distance, I want to make sure I get the right size.


Can anyone help me... ???

[DENNIS G]

Can anyone help me... ???


The 60 inch is the best length, as to buckle personal preference. I like the push button buckle similar to the ones in your car. If the buckle side is too long and is installed on the outside it can drag the ground and possibility of catching the rear wheel.

[handieman]

Push button or lever action seat belts is your choice. I personally like the push button ones because they are lighter and Less likely to dent something when accidentally swung out of the way
The retractable ones contain 53" of belt plus the other end is 20" of belt so the total is 73" around. That's 6 feet of seat belt, enough for even my ummmmm large hips ;D
I think if I were to buy the non retractable pair, I would buy the 60" set
When choosing belts remember to order the bench seat, low profile version
The sets come with approved hardware and are federally approved for use in motor vehicles or golf carts
The cost for two sets ran just under $100 with shipping
Handie :joke:

[renielarson]

[center]The retractable ones contain 53" of belt plus the other end is 20" of belt so the total is 73" around. That's 6 feet of seat belt, enough for even my ummmmm large hips ;D





Retractable belts work in golf carts?

[handieman]

Retractable belts work in golf carts?

Yes??
You wanna see mine?? I'm installing them in April. Mrs. Handie says falling out of the cart is not an option she wants to explore
Handie :joke:

[boobear51751]

In my previous life I was a driving instructor and taught students of all ages about driving safety and vehicle designs. It amazed me that most people believe that car doors are put on the car to help protect them from injury during a collision. Not true. Doors are there to hold the windows in, keep the weather out and make the car look pretty. Same with the seat belts on the golf carts. Lap belts will not protect you in some situations. A fast stop, going around a corner faster then you should just might hold you in, but in a roll over, front or rear end hit you will might coming out of the belt. Shoulder straps won't work on golf carts because the seat backs are not designed to support your backs or the belts. These carts were never designed to do anything but let you chase a little white ball around. They have no safety features for highway driving please keep that in mind when you are traveling 25 to 30 mph in those over sized engined golf carts I see more and more every day.
I personally bought both a LSV (NEV) G.E.M. for use on the road and golf course when needed as well as a regular golf cart for golfing. The electric car has shoulder straps, disc brakes and stops on a dime. It has enough weight to it that it corners nicely unlike golf carts which don't corner well at all. It is safe for highway driving and is just as safe (if not safer) then riding a bike. Some carts are so top heavy I am surprised that they don't tip over with those over sized tires some people are using. As for my golf cart I have not put seat belts in it as yet. I am still not sure that at the top speed of 18 mph I couldn't jump if I had to.
My suggestion: All three counties need to address this issue at once. Not in 6 months or a year from now. NOW! They need to come to an agreement on standard for golf carts (NOT LSV) and enforce them. They need to step up the process of giving out tickets and stop warning people about running stop signs, passing on solid white lines, breaking the speed limit (doing 30mph in a cart or better) and driving after doing the 2 for 1'ers. These are grave issues and are not being dealt with on an every day bases.
I also believe that this community should have a cart registration where by each cart is registered so that if someone is causing problems there is a way to identify that person and their cart. Right now there is no such way without taking the law into your own hands and confronting the person about the issue. That is not a good idea either. Some thoughts on these issues would be interesting too.

[Russ_Boston]

Boo - I can see your points and that is why i would look into a sturdier LSV. Hopefully i can find one with shoulder straps as mentioned. If i could also take it on the golf course that would be a bonus. Otherwise I'll have one for golf and one for tooling around.

Any links on where to find a more sturdy LSV that is golf course legal?

[BOMBERO]

Was there a Golf Cart Safety Clinic today?
Did anyone attend?
How was it?

[bimmertl]

I attended the clinic. Showed about a 20 minute video which primarily focused on cart safety and rules of the road. Mostly common knowledge type stuff.

Spokesperson from Club Car dealersip attended. He stated they would not install seat belts on any golf car. Golf cars are not designed for seat belts and in roll over accidents you are better off being thrown out of the golf car than remaining in it. The roof of the car has no structural integrity and will collapse and you will be upside down with the entire golf car remaining on top of you. While we can all make arguments regarding folks being thrown out of their carts on sharp turns etc. perhaps being safer if belted in, overall you are better off not having seat belts in a standard golf car as recommended by the manufacturer. Obviously an individual choice has to be made on this issue.

All speakers (two police officers, VHA rep, insurance agent, Club Car rep) stated small children should never be held in a lap by any passenger. If the child is to small to sit in a seat by themself, they should not be in a golf car. In addition, childrens car seats aren't designed for use in a golf car and they also should not be used.

The HOA has an information sheet available and I believe you can get a copy if you contact them.

[Russ_Boston]

I guess you'd have to weigh the odds of rolling over risk vs. sharp turn risk.

I think I'll just tool around in my scooter!

[BOMBERO]

http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/articles/2008/03/20/villages/villages01.txt

Link to a story in today's " Sun ". About yesterday's Safety Class.

There is another story on page A5 about a man being pinned under his cart. He was airlifted to Orlando with head injuries on Wed. night.

[Sidney Lanier]

Did I miss something? Was there anything in that article about the pros or cons of seat belts in golf carts?

[Russ_Boston]

The article doesn't mention the seat belt issue but bimmertl says he/she was there and gave his/her account. See the post about 4 back.

I have a question about roll-overs. I'm sure that TV'ers have seen golf cart accidents either in person or in the paper etc. How many roll overs are the type where the cart just ends up on its side rather than actually completing a complete roll where they end up on their roof? I have seen some carts (on the golf course) tip over on their side but never roll. I would think the vast majority of tips would be on the side and not on the roof.

Remember - there was a time when the 'better off being ejected' argument was used for cars until the manufacturers were forced to implement safety procedures. And most school buses still do not have belts but make no mistake that is completely a $$$ issue.

[Sidney Lanier]

That is without a doubt absolutely true about seat belts and school buses. Pretty outrageous, IMHO!

A friend of ours was in a minor golf cart accident Sunday morning coming back from the Polo Fields. He turned his steering wheel too sharply and actually fell out of the cart! Other than a scraped knee he was fine; the cart simply stopped in a second or so, upright.

I suspect that the likelihood of an actual rollover would involve another vehicle. Does anyone have more detailed info on golf cart accidents (other than hitting a curb or a post in the middle of the golf cart lanes)?

[handieman]

Seat belts in School buses are mandatory and must be kept clean and in perfect working order. The use of such belts by students is optional, however I see a lot of my liitle kids wearing them probably out of habit from Mom and Dad.
A number of times I have turned sharply in a golf cart (esp at tunnel entrances) and my butt has slipped sideways. In an effort to preserve my butt, I will begin using seat belts come April. If a roll over occurs ( which I seriosly think will never happen at 20MPH) I deserve to dangle upside down
Handie :joke:

[Russ_Boston]

They may be mandatory where you come from but they are not in most of the country.

[renielarson]

Handie
Sorry, but I loved your idea so much I copied it (but with a parrot) :redface:

Had seatbelts installed when we were in TV a short while ago. They are retractable and placed directly behind the arm rest. For those of you who have never seen a set installed, here's a pic of mine...

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh96/renielarson/IMG_0753-1.jpg

[renielarson]

Another question: I bought the reflector tape and mounted it to the side step of the cart. However, it looked tacky and ugly so we immediately removed it.

What other options are available for reflectors other than the tape? I'm looking for something easy and inexpensive to install.

Any suggestions?

[Sidney Lanier]

We just converted our cart into a four-seater and put seat belts on all the seats. First thing friends of our asked was if they could use the cart when their 'little ones' are visiting; the belts would give them the confidence of strapping the kids into the back and riding with them securely. We've used the belts and don't find them inconvenient to put on or to ride in. Back to peace of mind!

[renielarson]

:agree: Sidney

I felt so much better when my 3 year old grandson was belted in. I put a lot of stock into peace of mind.