Golf Cart Drivers

[MnGirl]

Seems everyone thinks they are in the right when it comes to driving their golf cart. Some go too fast, some go too slow, some don't stop at stop signs, and some don't blend into traffic when they should etc. etc..
I don't think licensing is the answer. I think all buyers (before they get the cart) should have to attend the classes they hold in TV. Then, at least, we would all be driving by the same rules. That might be a start.

[Floridagal]

I agree 100% with you. We just have to find a way to get people to go. Maybe in order to buy a golf cart you have to show proof that you attended a class. It's a thought.

[LB]

We did our first lifestyle preview in January. We stayed at the cottages in LSL. A golf cart was supplied. It was a very slow cart so we may have been going too slow compared to others. We had a near miss at a tunnel. We were passing a tunnel where we went down the ramp then up the other side, not turning into the tunnel. Not sure now where it was. A cart came crashing out of the tunnel and almost hit us. Just a little caution and a slow down would have made all safer. If we had been the same reckless kind of driver there could have a bad crash. It has caused us to be over cautious at the tunnels!Hope something can be done, before we are full time, and for others there. Regards

[gemorc]

I agree 100% with you. We just have to find a way to get people to go. Maybe in order to buy a golf cart you have to show proof that you attended a class. It's a thought.
:agree: :agree:

[golfnut]

I don't see much difference in driving habits of people in carts versus cars, and everyone driving a car has to be licensed and pass tests.

[Bubbalarry]

I agree everyone should be taught the right ways of driving a cart in TV, but who's going to police the renters who come for a week or a couple of months at a time. Certainly not the landlords.

In my opinion they are the most flagrant abusers of the rules.

Soon it will be a requirement that you will need to have seatbelts installed and on when driving them off the courses.

[golfnut]

:agree: Bubba and think that seat belts would be a good thing. I remember years ago when they started putting them in cars how people thought it was ridiculous, now who would ever pull out of their drive without putting them on???

[renielarson]

We had seatbelts installed a few weeks ago and I couldn't be happier. I felt so much safer having my 3 year grandson belted in when driving with him. To be truthful, I felt safer being belted in myself. I think all carts should come equipped with seatbelts. But, then again, I think all school buses should too.

[bimmertl]

Cart owners need to attend the cart safety course offered by TV. You will then find out that seat belts are not recommended for golf carts. In fact, the representative from the one of the local dealers stated they will not install them on any carts nor will the manufacturer. Obviouosly the dealership could make plenty of money advising purchasers to add seat belts and then selling and installing them but they don't.

Standard carts have a tendency to roll on side impacts. If a car rolls the roof structure has adequate strength to protect occupants in most wrecks. In the typical cart there is a flismy roof that offers no protection in a roll over accident. This leaves the occupants belted in with the entire weight of the golf cart on top of them when the "roof" collapses.

As for a 3 year old belted in to a golf cart, you must be kidding. There are no auto or cart belts suitable to protect a child of that age in any accident. If they aren't properly belted in to an approved child car seat, they aren't protected. Other than driving around the neighborhood at about 2 mph a 3 year old isn't safe traveling 19mph in a golf cart belted or not.

[JUREK]

I'd love to see seat belts mandatory or at least offered on all new sales.. it won't prevent adults from driving carts while 2-3 kids are sitting on rear fenders . I blame the adults driving the carts, they should be jailed.

[bimmertl]

Whoa............this is a retirement community. I don't think we need to be trying to make rules for the safety of toddlers. In my opinion seat belts should not be mandatory in a golf cart. We have lived in a golf community for 30 years and never remember anyone getting hurt driving a golf cart. They don't go as fast as cars. Yes, there is a potential for accidents, but...I believe that there is no need to get your knickers in a hitch and try to get everyone to install seat belts and wear them in TV.


Not sure what you are refering to in this post. I am not making "rules" for toddlers. Just pointing out they aren't "safe" belted in a golf cart. I alslo clearly stated that TV safety clinic specifically stated belts aren't recommended and they should not be mandatory.

As for injuries in golf carts, this site is full of examples of residents being seriously injured in golf cart accidents. Even the less than informative Daily Sun mentions some of the golf cart accidents on occasions. I guess after 30 years in a golf cart community there is a lot of stuff you can't remember.

[renielarson]

Gracie

I guess you are referring to my opinions and that's all they were...opinions. I wasn't suggesting any rules be made.

[Bubbalarry]

See what happens when you give an opinion. All I said was soon we will be required to wear seatbelts.

Now everybody knows that when the insurance companies who pay out claims get tired of paying out $$$ for injuries/deaths resulting from golf cart accidents they will lobby our state and local congress people and have laws made to require them on carts.

That when using the streets like someplaces in TV at speeds of 19 MPH a truck doing 30 can broadside you and out you go causing a serious accident and injury.

Regardless of what the manufacturers claim if its the law they will comply or they won't sell anything.

Now I DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM ON CARTS PERIOD. However TV has to do something about them using the main roads. It's scary. I don't have enough fingers or toes to tell you how many times in my car I have gone along side a cart to see a senior villager coming into my lane.

Also cars going around roundabouts focusing on the traffic in and around it and coming close to hitting golf carts crossing the street. We don't have many that close to them but they exist.

To end this lets hope everyone stays safe in my absence and Bubba will see yo'all in the fall. wav wav wav wav

[graciegirl]

[quote=Bubbalarry ]
See what happens when you give an opinion. All I said was soon we will be required to wear seatbelts.

Now everybody knows that when the insurance companies who pay out claims get tired of paying out $$$ for injuries/deaths resulting from golf cart accidents they will lobby our state and local congress people and have laws made to require them on carts.

That when using the streets like someplaces in TV at speeds of 19 MPH a truck doing 30 can broadside you and out you go causing a serious accident and injury.

Regardless of what the manufacturers claim if its the law they will comply or they won't sell anything.

Now I DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM ON CARTS PERIOD. However TV has to do something about them using the main roads. It's scary. I don't have enough fingers or toes to tell you how many times in my car I have gone along side a cart to see a senior villager coming into my lane.
Also cars going around roundabouts focusing on the traffic in and around it and coming close to hitting golf carts crossing the street. We don't have many that close to them but they exist.

To end this lets hope everyone stays safe in my absence and Bubba will see yo'all in the fall. wav wav wav wav
[/quote"


:agree:
I have listened and learned. You are absolutely right. I believe that absolutely SEPARATE cart paths are the safest. Is there space to modify now that things are developed?

[wmarsh]

I would think the nautical law of 'gross tonnage' would apply (why Aircraft carriers have the right of way over vessels under sail -- not really, but it sounds good).

So, how many drunken golf cart drivers are out there??

[handieman]

At 20 MPH and making 90 degree turn, I'm willing to bet that a golf cart fitted with the OEM struts and roof will NOT ROLL over ( as in upside down) on a level street. The same turn will most assuredly will throw Mrs. Handie onto the asphalt. I think I'll keep her so seatbelts it is. ;D
Handie :joke:

[renielarson]

What convinced me of seatbelts (regardless of what the TV golf cart classes recommend) is a federal study of golf carts with seat belts vs. golf carts without seatbelts. For the life of me, I can't find that study on the internet....and I've been looking. But, I know it's there because I read it.

Can anyone help me find it?

[renielarson]

How many drunken golf cart drivers are there?

Depends on whether Rocky and the Rollers are playing or not....LOL

[villages07]

Bright,

The federal study was referenced in one of my earlier posts in the golf cart seatbelts thread. Here is the text of that post along with the link to the study.

=======================================
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

[Just Susan]

I don't know the statistics. I only know how I felt...when we visited in April. We rented a cart without seatbelts. It was scary riding on roads, thru tunnels and making corners. Then I rode with Bright in her cart. I had on a seatbelt. I felt safer, more relaxed and actually enjoyed the experiece.
As an uneducated wanna-be...I choose seatbelts.

[renielarson]

Thank you V07...this is the report I read, remembered, and convinced me to install seatbelts.

This is a little technical, but for those who are not sure whether or not to install seatbelts in your golf cart, here is the conclusion to the article, something to consider, and what convinced me.

CONCLUSIONS
The research contained in this paper provides a
part of the critical data required for agencies (both
national and state) and local communities to make
informed decisions regarding their LSV/golf car
transportation plans. Previous decisions in some
communities relied on simply anecdotal evidence and
testimony.
The data from the testing supports the
implementation of rules and regulations requiring
seat belts in LSV’s and golf cars which are to be
utilized on roadways by the general public, regardless
of whether or not their top speed is less than 20 mph.
The potential for ejection is significantly higher for
an unbelted occupant during a cornering maneuver as
opposed to a rollover event, even for vehicles with a
maximum speed of only 11 mph. The potential for a
rollover event decreases at the lower speeds, thereby
significantly decreasing the theoretically detrimental
effects that a belted could present over an unbelted
occupant. The theory that an occupant is better off
jumping from a moving cart on a roadway is simply
speculation and fails to consider, among other
factors, the age and health of the occupants.
Observations made from the J-turn tests demonstrate
how ineffective the hip restraints become to an
unbelted occupant due in part to the forward
migration of the occupant resulting from the
longitudinal accelerations occurring during the turns.
The high slip angle on the front wheels not only
produce high lateral accelerations but also significant
longitudinal accelerations. During this forward
migration the high lateral accelerations tend to pull
the occupant up and over the hip restraint which acts
as tripping mechanism. This trip orients the ejected
occupant into a head first dive into the ground as
shown in Figures 8 and 9. The ejection process
occurred rapidly with the time from initiation of the
turn to the ejected occupant contacting the ground
averaging between approximately one and two
seconds. Thus, an unanticipated turn presents little
time for an occupant to brace themselves prior to
ejection. Additionally, in the case of vehicles that
have rear facing seating positions, the exposure to an
unanticipated turn and therefore ejection is
significantly increased. It should be noted that during
the J-turn steer inputs the driver of the vehicle noted
little difficulty controlling the vehicle during the
entire duration of the turn. It should be also be noted
that the lower speed vehicles have a significantly
lower tendency to roll over and in fact if the vehicle
did roll the energy dissipated getting the vehicle to
the roll position would likely only produce a ¼ roll.
This scenario would limit the protection offered by a
ROPS. Furthermore, a rollover event presents a
scenario in which an occupant is likely to be injured,
potentially seriously, regardless of whether they are
belted or not belted in the vehicle. The theory that
injuries will be mitigated by allowing the occupants
to jump from a moving LSV or golf car during a
rollover, thereby justifying the lack of belts, cannot
be supported by this research.

[Just Susan]

Bright you made a comment earlier about wanting seatbelts in buses. When my kids were of school bus age I made the same comment and was about to gather the troops when I found out that the floors on school buses are not strong enough to hold the seats and the belted child in place in an accident. I hope they have made changes since then, but it is why my kids did not ride the buses. Momma drove.

[renielarson]

It's been hard for me to accept that all school buses are not manufactured to secure children safely in the seats using seat belts. When I have to ride a bus going on field trips, I feel unsafe. Wouldn't you think that schools, of all institutions, would put child safety #1 on their list? I continue to be dumbfounded this isn't a law.

And YES, this is one time I wish a RULE (LAW) would be required and enforced.

[Just Susan]

Personally I think it is the height of hypocrisy.

[Shirleevee]

Sailor and I are back in NY and after running errands all day today, I must apologize to any GOLF CART drivers I criticized here. I must have lost my mind and forgotten the horrors of Staten Island drivers.

Shirleevee

[F16 1UB]

Next cart will have HANS divice with a combination of NASCAR,IRL, & NHRA roll cage. Total cost pricele$$.

F16 zoom zoom zoom

[The Great Fumar]

I nearly recieved a ticket today for speeding in my new golfcart .....It was close but I outran him..........village kid, sorry about your lawn but i'll have it repaired Monday.........

those serins drive me nuts

[MnGirl]

I started this post, and all I was thinking is let all get the same information, and play by the same rules. We have now gotten carried away talking about seat belts. If you really wanted to stay safe you'd wear helmets. All in favor? :joke:

[graciegirl]

Next cart will have HANS divice with a combination of NASCAR,IRL, & NHRA roll cage. Total cost pricele$$.

F16 zoom zoom zoom


Go 24!! We will drop the green flag on Havana Trail!!

[redfalls]

Did anyone hear about and or see a Golf Cart accident that occurred on April 25th 2008 at the Spanish Springs where a Villager was knocked down by an Elvis type golf cart?

[The Great Fumar]

Yes , they were caught in a trap, and they can't get out , I know they can't go on this way ....Baby

thankya very much........ fumar

[handieman]

FYI

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee31/handieman4u/FloridaApril2008029.jpg

[sandybill2]

We were at Spanish Springs this afternoon. Golf cart accident occurred when elderly lady was pulling into a parking spot--apparently hit gas pedal instead of brake---jumped the curb and hit the wall there near the water pool. Hit the wall hard enough that her windshield fell out. She apparently also struck another parked cart and pushed it onto the curb where it hit one of the benches before being stopped by another part of the wall. They were still trying to find the owner of that cart when we left. Fortunately no one was hurt but could have been really bad had someone been walking by at the precise moment as the carts could have hit them and knocked them into the wall.

[renielarson]

Fumar

Groan.....

[chelsea24]

Fumar has left the building! wav

[dbphillips]

I'd like to believe Most golf cart drivers are courteous and careful.
My major complaint is seeing people hang their leg out the drivers side or sit in such a manner that their left knee extends outside the bounderies of the cart itself. I'm never sure that I shouldn't take the ditch whenever they confront me headon in on a narrow pathway. I really don't want to cripple somebody.
Men are the primary culprit. Such drivers seem to have no personal worries about hurting themselves. I know men are known as risk takers, but scraping or hitting a post, as well as by another on coming cart, can cause serious injuries.

[uujudy]

May I jump in here with my 2 cents? ??? In reference to the golf cart accident at Spanish Springs -- does anyone know how tall the driver was? The house we rented came with a Yamaha gas golf cart, and I could barely reach the pedals. I'm almost 5'1". In order to drive it I had to perch precariously on the very edge of the seat. I tried one of the "booster seats" at the dealer in LSL, but it wasn't much help. It pushed against my shoulders, so I could lean my upper back against the seat, but I was still perched on the edge of the seat. There was almost a foot of space between my lower back and the back of the seat. I thought my driving position was very tiring, and possibly dangerous. Does anyone know if there are ANY golf carts out there with adjustable seats? :dontknow:

PS: Handie, seatbelts wouldn't be much help in this situation. Don't you have to be sitting with your lower back against the seat for them to work properly?

[redwitch]

Judy, I don't think they make the seats adjustable but I have a friend who has pedal extensions so she can sit comfortably when driving -- she's maybe 4'10" (on her tiptoes and lying through her teeth about her height).

[uujudy]

Thanks for the info, Red! Is she able to reach the steering wheel with her pedal extensions, or does that extend, too? And yes, we shorties all lie about our height. I may actually only be almost 5'. I added the extra inch+ years ago on my driver's LIEcense. ;D Don't tell.

[Frangyomory]

Mngirl you are sooooooo right! I believe that golf cart drivers should either have mandatory lessons or require some type license. People here who have never driven before buy a golf cart and take off and let the rest of us beware!!!! I am planning to bring this to the attention of local law enforcement to see if the state of Florida or the different counties will consider this.

I am not trying to take away the ability to get around but I am trying to save a few lives. Just watch some of these folks as they tool along the road. Not a care in the world and they don't care who else is on the road either.

At least people who have a driving background know the rules and etiquette of the road.

[handieman]

May I jump in here with my 2 cents? ??? In reference to the golf cart accident at Spanish Springs -- does anyone know how tall the driver was? The house we rented came with a Yamaha gas golf cart, and I could barely reach the pedals. I'm almost 5'1". In order to drive it I had to perch precariously on the very edge of the seat. I tried one of the "booster seats" at the dealer in LSL, but it wasn't much help. It pushed against my shoulders, so I could lean my upper back against the seat, but I was still perched on the edge of the seat. There was almost a foot of space between my lower back and the back of the seat. I thought my driving position was very tiring, and possibly dangerous. Does anyone know if there are ANY golf carts out there with adjustable seats? :dontknow:

PS: Handie, seatbelts wouldn't be much help in this situation. Don't you have to be sitting with your lower back against the seat for them to work properly?

Yes Mamm. Might I suggest wooden pedal blocks for the pedals you cant reach? Maybe they could have elastic straps for quick removal so anyone else can use the pedals normally?

Just thinkin out loud :dontknow:
handie :joke:

[MnGirl]

I found it uncomfortable to drive the ParCar , it much higher than normal carts, and your legs must be longer. If you drive a EZGO you will be able to reach the gas and brake. Try it.

[uujudy]

Yes Mamm. Might I suggest wooden pedal blocks for the pedals you cant reach? Maybe they could have elastic straps for quick removal so anyone else can use the pedals normally?

Just thinkin out loud :dontknow:
handie :joke:

That's great thinking out loud, Handie! I was thinking of something with velcro, but elastic would probably work better and be easier to remove for Mr. Long-legs.

[uujudy]

I found it uncomfortable to drive the ParCar , it much higher than normal carts, and your legs must be longer. If you drive a EZGO you will be able to reach the gas and brake. Try it.


Thanks for the good information! :bigthumbsup: I'll definitely give the EZGO a try!

[Barefoot]

I found it uncomfortable to drive the ParCar , it much higher than normal carts, and your legs must be longer. If you drive a EZGO you will be able to reach the gas and brake. Try it.

I have a Columbia Par Car and I'm not tall. Well, truth be known, I guess I'd actually be called short. And I am very comfortable driving the Par Car. Love it for many reasons, reliability and driving range being the top two.

[MnGirl]

But is your cart one of the really tall ones? You know, they sit higher than most carts. That's the cart that is difficult for short people.

[DENNIS G]

The biggest problem is that no one wants to or does abide by the rules of the road either in their cars or carts. Rules of the road apply to all vehicles. I think some people think RED means GO not STOP. I know of one person that I hope has learned the hard way that STOP signs mean STOP. He ran the sign in his Caddy, totaled my Golf cart (Custom Cart) received citations and a bunch of points against his license. His insurance paid out nearly 100K due to injuries, property damage and fees.