Golf Carts Are Not Toys

[Chatbrat]

another golf cart accident--Parents loaned a golf cart to their son--he ran the cart into a tunnel wall, he and his two six year old daughters were transported to Ocala Regional--the cart didn't have seat belts--

[ColdNoMore]

While I would personally like to see mandatory seat-belts, for children as a minimum, I'm not ready without further info...to say the adult son was treating the cart "like a toy." :oops:

[LI SNOWBIRD]

I once did an informal count of carts with seat belts. My wife was driving our cart when we were going to Lake Sumter Landing. I counted every cart we met and kept a separate list of how many had seat belts fastened. There was a whopping 10% of all carts we encountered!
I know it's not scientific but is indicative.

[Arctic Fox]

another golf cart accident--Parents loaned a golf cart to their son--he ran the cart into a tunnel wall, he and his two six year old daughters were transported to Ocala Regional--the cart didn't have seat belts--

There seems little reason not to have seat-belts on a new cart as standard.

It adds a relatively small amount to the cost, but not as much as retrofitting them, and if all suppliers are persuaded to install them...

[Shakerag Diva]

When we bought our golf cart, we had seatbelts added. It cost $200 extra. Seemed like a small price to pay for peace of mind.

[DAVES]

The son who borrowed the golf cart had two kids and was listed as being 39.

I can't imagine how he hit the wall of the tunnel hard enough to cause injury unless he hit the entrance, it would just be a glancing contact.

As to seat belts. That has long been debated. Unlike your automobile a golf cart does not a passenger compartment designed to protect you. You do not have standard items such as airbags or a collapsing steering wheel. Most of them only have brakes on the rear wheels. Many of the seat belts are not properly secured to the golf cart and will simply tear out if needed.

Perhaps, an opportunity for all of us to think. Two golf carts, each going at the LEGAL 20 mph speed, it they hit head on it is a 40 mph crash.

Confession-we use our golf cart regularly around the Villages it is set at the LEGAL 20 mph and we are regularly, safe or not, passed by hotshots. We do have seat belts but they are unused. We do use our turn signals-do you?

[EdFNJ]

Watching "grandparents" holding their (I assume) visiting infants in their lap while driving a wide opened cart or seeing 3 & 4 year old kids slumping in rear-facing back seats sometimes 3 across (even with belts which are totally useless for kids that size) and parents reaching over to "hold them in" won't help with forcing seat belts on every cart. We can't protect everyone from themselves and/or their own stupidity. Everyone complains about too many rules yet asks for a new rule for every dumbazz thing they see other dumbazz people doing. Dumb is dumb, stupid is stupid and just because a cart has a seatbelt doesn't mean they will be used. Can't protect everyone from themselves without having big brother watching us every single minute of our lives. Wait ..... ALEXA (or SIRI or GOOGLE), please turn down my thermostat 2 degrees.

[EdFNJ]

--<clip>--- We do use our turn signals-do you?
The big question is: "Do your turn them off?" ;)

[Arctic Fox]

We do use our turn signals-do you?

The big question is: "Do your turn them off?" ;)

There's an "off" switch?

[John_W]

Villages News June 25, 2019

Sledd, the son of John Daniel and Debra Sledd of 750 Rockingham Road, was totally ejected, the report said. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, having suffered “incapacitating” injuries, according to FHP.

The golf cart sustained an estimated $4,500 in damage. It had to be towed from the scene.

The investigator wrote in the report that Sledd had “operated motor vehicle in careless or negligent manner.”

[DAVES]

The big question is: "Do your turn them off?" ;)

Yes, we do turn them off. We do not have the self cancelling signals but they are available.
Interesting to me. Our cart is 2014 and the device that causes the turn signals to blink is quite loud. Seems that the newer Yamahas have a much quieter,"clicker,"
As to turn signals. Like anything else, nothing is perfect. Golf cart or car, I wait long enough for the person signaling the turn to start the turn.
From my departed dad who taught me to drive always assume the other driver is going to do the stupidest possible thing because that is exactly what they are going to do. We all regularly see drivers looking for the right place to cause an accident.

[JoMar]

I agree that the adults can make the decisions, ignorant as they may be, about the virtues of wearing seat belts. I disagree that they should be able to make that decision for children who are incapable of making safety decisions for themselves. Most of the injuries sustained here are not from head on collisions at 20MPH but by maneuvers that cause ejections, swerving to avoid, hitting curbs, or last minute decision turns. Seat Belts will mitigate those injuries. I personally would prefer to be restrained from ejection than miss my tee time.

[DAVES]

Villages News June 25, 2019

Sledd, the son of John Daniel and Debra Sledd of 750 Rockingham Road, was totally ejected, the report said. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, having suffered “incapacitating” injuries, according to FHP.

The golf cart sustained an estimated $4,500 in damage. It had to be towed from the scene.

The investigator wrote in the report that Sledd had “operated motor vehicle in careless or negligent manner.”

Your post is what my wife read to me. I wonder where,"an estimated $4500 in damages," comes from. That tunnel going to Brownwood, we regularly take it. You have, I would not, do not, people walking with no room to get away from carts as well as people on bikes.

"Negligent Manner," a polite way to describe it.

As to a solution, I think the lighting in those tunnels should be reviewed. I'm not certain as to what controls them. Time?
Ambient light? I also, suggest that people who insist on walking through those tunnels wear bright clothes. I regularly see people walking side by side dressed in black.

[New Englander]

I must be the only person in TV who don't own or want a golf cart. These vehicles are designed to operate on a "Golf Course". Not being driven 25 MPH down Pinellas Place like I see almost daily.

[Chatbrat]

You're not the only one, I like the protection & comfort of a real car

[queasy27]

Goodness. I don't know what "incapacitating” injuries are other than paralysis, but all good wishes for the guy's recovery, and that of his child.

It's a reminder to all of us to be mindful when driving, walking, bicycling, etc., and not to get behind any steering wheel while impaired.

At this point in life I'm much more concerned about permanent injury than death. Even broken bones can be the start of a cascade of health problems and slow decline into nursing care.

[villagetinker]

I must be the only person in TV who don't own or want a golf cart. These vehicles are designed to operate on a "Golf Course". Not being driven 25 MPH down Pinellas Place like I see almost daily.

No you are not, we have a golf cart that I use to get to the postal station on Pinellas Place and occasionally Collier. I also prefer the protection a car provides. I have been passed, when my golf cart speedometer indicates I am doing 20 mph, I have been in my car at 30 mph and been PASSED on the right by a golf cart! Over the last couple of weeks I have clocked several carts at 25 to 30 mph. Also, I have have several instances of golfers turning LEFT from the golf cart lane without looking directly in front of my car! I also get to watch the golf cart races from my back yard............

[JGVillages]

I once did an informal count of carts with seat belts. My wife was driving our cart when we were going to Lake Sumter Landing. I counted every cart we met and kept a separate list of how many had seat belts fastened. There was a whopping 10% of all carts we encountered!
I know it's not scientific but is indicative.

Should be a law requiring seat belts on any cart driving on a road. Our Florida law makers require them in cars yet you can ride in the back of a pickup truck in a lawn chair. Where is the logic with both these issues?

[graciegirl]

Golf Carts Pose Serious Injury Risk to Kids: Study | Newsmax.com (https://www.newsmax.com/Health/health-news/golf-carts-injury-kids/2018/03/21/id/849886/)

[Altavia]

No you are not, we have a golf cart that I use to get to the postal station on Pinellas Place and occasionally Collier. I also prefer the protection a car provides. I have been passed, when my golf cart speedometer indicates I am doing 20 mph, I have been in my car at 30 mph and been PASSED on the right by a golf cart! Over the last couple of weeks I have clocked several carts at 25 to 30 mph. Also, I have have several instances of golfers turning LEFT from the golf cart lane without looking directly in front of my car! I also get to watch the golf cart races from my back yard............

I felt the same during my Lifestyle visit. Those carts have bench seats and you slide across in a mild turn. No doubt any impact would launch you out of the cart.

A cart accident seems a likely a death sentence at our age.

[EdFNJ]

You're not the only one, I like the protection & comfort of a real car

Agreed which is why we have one like this. 3 point seat belts, real DOT approved automotive glass, doors etc.


atomic zipper - Google Search (https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x88e7c2c5920dee19%3A0x5b25fa7279b62d93!2m22 !2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m16!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2! 1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!2m2!1m1!1e6!3m1!7e 115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp% 2FAF1QipNq8g0bv21Z4p7NgqhpKYF7NnoagBUVi6qLLsbC%3Dw 213-h160-k-no!5satomic%20zipper%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOaaykHVpfx8kKu1EdjlBR468M0o UI7STs3LWz0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiOgM3FpIrjAhVipVkKHSFgCEMQoiowEnoECAwQB g)

[EdFNJ]

Golf Carts Pose Serious Injury Risk to Kids: Study | Newsmax.com (https://www.newsmax.com/Health/health-news/golf-carts-injury-kids/2018/03/21/id/849886/) Absolutely true as do swimming pools, Tide Pods, toys with small pieces, bicycles, small pieces of candy, tricycles pieces of ribbon and and and ad infinitum. The items are unsafe because the children need to be properly supervised and properly kept from using them incorrectly or at all. Any parent allowing a (what looks like in the photo) 8 yr old to drive one deserves to go to jail. Sometimes these articles overstate the obvious for clickbait.

[Altavia]

Agreed which is why we have one like this. 3 point seat belts, real DOT approved automotive glass, doors etc.


atomic zipper - Google Search (https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x88e7c2c5920dee19%3A0x5b25fa7279b62d93!2m22 !2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m16!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2! 1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!2m2!1m1!1e6!3m1!7e 115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp% 2FAF1QipNq8g0bv21Z4p7NgqhpKYF7NnoagBUVi6qLLsbC%3Dw 213-h160-k-no!5satomic%20zipper%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOaaykHVpfx8kKu1EdjlBR468M0o UI7STs3LWz0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiOgM3FpIrjAhVipVkKHSFgCEMQoiowEnoECAwQB g)

Interesting, who sells,them?

[CWGUY]

Agreed which is why we have one like this. 3 point seat belts, real DOT approved automotive glass, doors etc.


atomic zipper - Google Search (https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x88e7c2c5920dee19%3A0x5b25fa7279b62d93!2m22 !2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m16!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2! 1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!2m2!1m1!1e6!3m1!7e 115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp% 2FAF1QipNq8g0bv21Z4p7NgqhpKYF7NnoagBUVi6qLLsbC%3Dw 213-h160-k-no!5satomic%20zipper%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOaaykHVpfx8kKu1EdjlBR468M0o UI7STs3LWz0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiOgM3FpIrjAhVipVkKHSFgCEMQoiowEnoECAwQB g)

:ohdear: From the online news Sept. 2016 -

A 77-year-old Villager has died of injuries suffered when his golf cart was hit by a pickup truck Monday morning near The Villages Regional Hospital.

S****** S****** had been at the wheel of a 2016 Atomi golf cart which was traveling eastbound on Bella Cruz Drive at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 441 at 10:58 a.m., according to an accident report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

His golf cart was struck by a 1998 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Sxxx Pxxxxxx Dxxxxxx, 27, of Leesburg.

S****** was transported to The Villages Regional Hospital where he later died of injuries suffered in the crash.

:pray:

[BobnBev]

No you are not, we have a golf cart that I use to get to the postal station on Pinellas Place and occasionally Collier. I also prefer the protection a car provides. I have been passed, when my golf cart speedometer indicates I am doing 20 mph, I have been in my car at 30 mph and been PASSED on the right by a golf cart! Over the last couple of weeks I have clocked several carts at 25 to 30 mph. Also, I have have several instances of golfers turning LEFT from the golf cart lane without looking directly in front of my car! I also get to watch the golf cart races from my back yard............

I have have several instances of golfers turning LEFT from the golf cart lane without looking.It seems to be happening more and more, so ya can't blame it on the snowbirds.:popcorn:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So, three years ago, one person was killed because his GOLF CART was hit by a PICKUP TRUCK, and you're implying that the brand of golf cart is unsafe because of that? Golf carts aren't known to be "safe" vehicles. Atomic carts have safety features that make them "less unsafe" than other carts. Doesn't make them safe, but it does make them less unsafe. It's a precarious distinction I know, but it's a distinction nonetheless. From what I've seen of them up close (a few, not a lot) they remind me in some ways of Smart Cars.

To the person who asked who makes them: They're made by Atomic, and sold by Atomic, of Wildwood Florida.

Regarding seat belts in carts: we will definitely want to have those added to our used cart once we get down there full time, but we're on a budget. Having a cart at all was the bigger priority. We got the best we could afford, and we'll be adding things when we have time and money to pay for the things that it didn't come with. I feel a bit nervous not being strapped in. I'm a cautious driver, never assuming the other guy has a clue and being pro-active with regards to my own safety. But me being a good driver doesn't prevent someone else from doing something stupid. And no matter how good a drive I may be, it would be dangerous to assume I'm not capable of flat out making a mistake. Once. In a lifetime. Maybe :)

[Nucky]

:ohdear: From the online news Sept. 2016 -

A 77-year-old Villager has died of injuries suffered when his golf cart was hit by a pickup truck Monday morning near The Villages Regional Hospital.

S****** S****** had been at the wheel of a 2016 Atomi golf cart which was traveling eastbound on Bella Cruz Drive at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 441 at 10:58 a.m., according to an accident report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

His golf cart was struck by a 1998 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Sxxx Pxxxxxx Dxxxxxx, 27, of Leesburg.

S****** was transported to The Villages Regional Hospital where he later died of injuries suffered in the crash.

:pray:

I saw the end result of this accident before it was cleaned up. Any small vehicle would not have come thru this one as good as the Atomic Cart, IMHO The Pictures I saw in the paper were on the side of the Vehicle that was not hit. All these Golf Cart Incidents and Accidents should serve as a lesson to the rest of us. The side that got hit was Mangled.

Our Older kids can use our cart without the Grandchildren in them without exception to that POPPA made rule. The only one who transports the Grandchildren Is me and Slow Is The Way, Steady Is The Course. Seatbelt on and I hold the Cell Phone of ANY Passenger except The Boss. They have to concentrate and brace themselves for the unknown.

Our drivers in The Villages with all their shortcomings, me included are way better than the ones we are accustomed to where we did live before and they carry guns down here so you best not flip 'em off.

Mistakes and accidents are more likely for anyone when they first drive a Cart, think back to your first day driving your new cart, come on be honest you weren't a natural right off the bat it took a little time.

Hope this gang of unfortunate visitors come out of this with a story and a small scratch.

This kind of stuff is never gonna end. :pray: Never Ever.

[CWGUY]

So, three years ago, one person was killed because his GOLF CART was hit by a PICKUP TRUCK, and you're implying that the brand of golf cart is unsafe because of that? Golf carts aren't known to be "safe" vehicles. Atomic carts have safety features that make them "less unsafe" than other carts. Doesn't make them safe, but it does make them less unsafe. It's a precarious distinction I know, but it's a distinction nonetheless. From what I've seen of them up close (a few, not a lot) they remind me in some ways of Smart Cars.

To the person who asked who makes them: They're made by Atomic, and sold by Atomic, of Wildwood Florida.

Regarding seat belts in carts: we will definitely want to have those added to our used cart once we get down there full time, but we're on a budget. Having a cart at all was the bigger priority. We got the best we could afford, and we'll be adding things when we have time and money to pay for the things that it didn't come with. I feel a bit nervous not being strapped in. I'm a cautious driver, never assuming the other guy has a clue and being pro-active with regards to my own safety. But me being a good driver doesn't prevent someone else from doing something stupid. And no matter how good a drive I may be, it would be dangerous to assume I'm not capable of flat out making a mistake. Once. In a lifetime. Maybe :)

:confused: I was not "implying" anything. If you are trying to read minds.... keep your day job! Please pick a fight with someone else. Thank you. :ho:

[CWGUY]

I saw the end result of this accident before it was cleaned up. Any small vehicle would not have come thru this one as good as the Atomic Cart, IMHO The Pictures I saw in the paper were on the side of the Vehicle that was not hit. All these Golf Cart Incidents and Accidents should serve as a lesson to the rest of us. The side that got hit was Mangled.

Our Older kids can use our cart without the Grandchildren in them without exception to that POPPA made rule. The only one who transports the Grandchildren Is me and Slow Is The Way, Steady Is The Course. Seatbelt on and I hold the Cell Phone of ANY Passenger except The Boss. They have to concentrate and brace themselves for the unknown.

Our drivers in The Villages with all their shortcomings, me included are way better than the ones we are accustomed to where we did live before and they carry guns down here so you best not flip 'em off.

Mistakes and accidents are more likely for anyone when they first drive a Cart, think back to your first day driving your new cart, come on be honest you weren't a natural right off the bat it took a little time.

Hope this gang of unfortunate visitors come out of this with a story and a small scratch.

This kind of stuff is never gonna end. :pray: Never Ever.

I agree! I think they "may" be a little safer..... but not bullet proof. At least I think that I think that..... maybe I should consult a medium! :)

[Kilmacowen]

I have both front and rear seat belts. They are attached to a metal bar behind the front seat. I am looking for retractable ones a d found several suppliers on ebay. The cost is about $50 a pair. Very easy to replace with a wrench.

[ColdNoMore]

Absolutely true as do swimming pools, Tide Pods, toys with small pieces, bicycles, small pieces of candy, tricycles pieces of ribbon and and and ad infinitum. The items are unsafe because the children need to be properly supervised and properly kept from using them incorrectly or at all. Any parent allowing a (what looks like in the photo) 8 yr old to drive one deserves to go to jail. Sometimes these articles overstate the obvious for clickbait.

Absolutely! :thumbup:

[tophcfa]

Absolutely true as do swimming pools, Tide Pods, toys with small pieces, bicycles, small pieces of candy, tricycles pieces of ribbon and and and ad infinitum. The items are unsafe because the children need to be properly supervised and properly kept from using them incorrectly or at all. Any parent allowing a (what looks like in the photo) 8 yr old to drive one deserves to go to jail. Sometimes these articles overstate the obvious for clickbait.

:agree:

[Henryk]

...
Perhaps, an opportunity for all of us to think. Two golf carts, each going at the LEGAL 20 mph speed, it they hit head on it is a 40 mph crash.

Confession-we use our golf cart regularly around the Villages it is set at the LEGAL 20 mph and we are regularly, safe or not, passed by hotshots. We do have seat belts but they are unused. We do use our turn signals-do you?

I’m sorry to contradict you, but if two carts hit each other at 20 mph, it’s 20 mph, not 40 mph. Compare it to this: if a cart hit a stone wall at 20 mph, it’s 20 mph.

[BobnBev]

I agree! I think they "may" be a little safer..... but not bullet proof. At least I think that I think that..... maybe I should consult a medium! :)

It would be "rare" to consult a "well done". Probably a missed steak.:1rotfl::1rotfl::boom:

[BobnBev]

I’m sorry to contradict you, but if two carts hit each other at 20 mph, it’s 20 mph, not 40 mph. Compare it to this: if a cart hit a stone wall at 20 mph, it’s 20 mph.

Wrong.....:ohdear::ohdear:

[Velvet]

If one is going directly head on at the other one and they are both going at 20 mph towards each other than the impact is the same as if one of them hit a wall at 40 mph.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I’m sorry to contradict you, but if two carts hit each other at 20 mph, it’s 20 mph, not 40 mph. Compare it to this: if a cart hit a stone wall at 20 mph, it’s 20 mph.

If a cart hit another cart, one was going 20mph and the other wasn'tmoving atall, the impact would be 20mph. If the other cart is also moving 20mph, the total impact is 40mph.

[anothersteve]

Google is your friend. Please look it up
Steve

[CWGUY]

It would be "rare" to consult a "well done". Probably a missed steak.:1rotfl::1rotfl::boom:

:ho: It would be even more "rare" for me to consult a "medium" that I thought was "half-baked".

[biker1]

You are correct.

I find the easiest way to visualize this is to consider the case of a brick wall and two equal golf carts collide with the wall on opposite sides at 20 MPH. Then consider what happens if the brick wall is removed. Each cart will realize the same deceleration regardless of whether the wall is there or not.

I’m sorry to contradict you, but if two carts hit each other at 20 mph, it’s 20 mph, not 40 mph. Compare it to this: if a cart hit a stone wall at 20 mph, it’s 20 mph.

[ColdNoMore]

Although this involves automobiles, the same physics apply...to golf carts.


Mythbusters - Car crash force - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8E5dUnLmh4)



And here's a layman's explanation...that corroborates the Mythbuster's test.

Head-on collision math (http://warp.povusers.org/grrr/collisionmath.html)


Consider two scenarios:

1. Two identical vehicles (same size and mass) travel at the same speed, let's say 50 km/h, in opposite directions, and they collide with each other head-on.
2. One of those vehicles hits a rock wall (which doesn't break nor budge in any significant way) head-on at 50 km/h.

From the point of view of one of the vehicles, which collision is more severe?

Most people would instantly answer that the first collision is more severe because the effective collision speed is 100 km/h, and thus the collision has twice as much force than the second collision, which happens only at 50 km/h.

This answer is wrong, wrong, and utterly wrong.

Many people just don't get this one, not even people who should know better. I can't even count how many times I have heard people getting this one wrong.

The most prominent and severe case which I have seen was Jamie Hyneman from the show MythBusters getting this exact problem wrong in their "demolition derby special" episode, where he stated that two trucks travelling at 50 mph each and colliding head-on were subject to a collision force equivalent to hitting a rock wall at 100 mph. Maybe he is not a phycisist, but nevertheless he of all people should know this.

The correct answer is: The two collisions are completely equivalent. From the point of view of one of the vehicles it makes absolutely no difference whether it hits a rock wall at 50 km/h or another identical vehicle which was traveling at the same speed in the opposite direction. The amount of force applied to the vehicle is the same in both situations.

(Ok, in reality there will be some differences because the consistency of a rock wall is very different from a consistency of a vehicle, but this only means that hitting the rock wall will be more severe than hitting the other car, although probably not by a lot.)

I know that no matter how much this is explained, some people just don't get it. They just can't get rid the misconception that the two-vehicle collision must have double the force. There are a few things which might make it easier to accept:


:ho:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The impact *speed* is doubled. If one car sat there unmoving, it would take an hour for the car at 60mph to reach that car while driving 60mph, if the cars started 60 miles away from each other. If each car was moving toward each other at 60mph, the moment of impact would occur at a rate of 120mph - in other words, it'd only take 1/2 hour before the two of them collided.

So the speed of impact is 120mph.

HOWEVER

Because each car takes 50% of the impact to itself, the resulting impact damage is still at the 60mph rate.

[Velvet]

Agree, the deceleration of each golf cart going at 20 mph in a head on is only 20 mph. Anyways, not advisable to try it out.
I wonder how safe are golf carts compared to scooters, anyone use both?

[Chatbrat]

Most important-- a crash that you could survive @ 30 years of age , will most likely kill you if your are 60 +

[DAVES]

I’m sorry to contradict you, but if two carts hit each other at 20 mph, it’s 20 mph, not 40 mph. Compare it to this: if a cart hit a stone wall at 20 mph, it’s 20 mph.

I suggest you look it up. Two cars, carts each going 20 mph on a head on is the same as a car hitting a wall going 40mph. For a pending impact, you chance of survival is far improved if you can hit something that will move like a bush of a glancing blow.

[Marathon Man]

I'll join the conversation. So, both are true. In the example, the front of the golf cart experiences a 40mph colision. However, your body is traveling 20mph. The deceleration force would be 20 - 0, not 40 - 0.

[ColdNoMore]

I suggest you look it up. Two cars, carts each going 20 mph on a head on is the same as a car hitting a wall going 40mph. For a pending impact, you chance of survival is far improved if you can hit something that will move like a bush of a glancing blow.

I'll join the conversation. So, both are true. In the example, the front of the golf cart experiences a 40mph colision. However, your body is traveling 20mph. The deceleration force would be 20 - 0, not 40 - 0.

If you click on the links in Post #41, take the time to watch the video and read the article...it will explain the actual facts. :ho:



...

[biker1]

Sorry, you are wrong. The deceleration experienced with two identical carts hitting each other head-on at 20 mph is the same as a single cart hitting a wall at 20 mph. The carts will decelerate to 0 mph in either case. In other words, in the case of two carts heading each other head-on, neither cart will move forward of the spot of the collision, just like if a cart hit a wall.

I suggest you look it up. Two cars, carts each going 20 mph on a head on is the same as a car hitting a wall going 40mph. For a pending impact, you chance of survival is far improved if you can hit something that will move like a bush of a glancing blow.

[Velvet]

I like the reasonings here, I’m learning.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Agree, the deceleration of each golf cart going at 20 mph in a head on is only 20 mph. Anyways, not advisable to try it out.
I wonder how safe are golf carts compared to scooters, anyone use both?

Less unsafe (I wouldn't say safer, because that assumes either of them are "safe" in the first place).

I was in a moped accident in the 1980's. Best friend driving, me on the back. Neither of us with a helmet. Wrong way on a 1-way street into a major intersection without stopping. Hit the front passenger door of a car that was travelling on the main road.

Best friend: broken neck, extensive internal injuries. End result: died a few days later.

Me: broken clavicle (collar bone), radius and ulna (forearm), femur (thigh bone), three ribs, contusions along the left side of my body, spine trauma, split lip, loosened front teeth. End result: surgery to repair arm and leg, then surgery a year later to remove the steel rod and plates. Veneers that had to be replaced with a 6-tooth bridge, osteoporosis in my hip, osteopenia in my spine, and a crooked collarbone.

I'm guessing the injuries wouldn't have been nearly as extensive, if we hadn't flipped over the moped and instead were just knocked out of the golf cart.

[Velvet]

Ouch! That sounds like really something.

[Tom53]

Not to dispute either side, but if the impact force of 2 objects colliding is the same as the speed of each object, not the total of each, how does bat speed impact a hit baseball? Is there a different physical theory involved?

Not teasing, just not sure!

[biker1]

Besides differences in the masses and velocities of the bat and baseball, a hit baseball is an example of an elastic collision (mostly) while two golf carts colliding (in the example being discussed they have the same mass and velocity) is an example of an inelastic collision (mostly). There are plenty of websites that will discuss this topic.

Not to dispute either side, but if the impact force of 2 objects colliding is the same as the speed of each object, not the total of each, how does bat speed impact a hit baseball? Is there a different physical theory involved?

Not teasing, just not sure!

[Rzepecki]

Your info is out of date; the debate about seat belts in golf carts was settled a while ago - pro seat belts. This is because they keep you from being thrown out of your cart to the concrete where you hit your head and likely die.

[Chatbrat]

Also, brain shear as a result of poor connective tissue as we age could make you wish you would have died in an accident , my wife's nephew is now 32 with no short term memory, his real life & future ended when he was 18

[Vickshaw1]

My heart and prayers are with that family. That said our cart not only has seat belts but we also installed a regular vehicular car seat for our three year old grandson. It really bothers me to see young children being “held” . In an accident a golf cart can be more dangerous than any car. Our grandson completely accepted the idea since that is how he must travel in a car.
That said, the family has my love and prayers. An accident; pure and simple. Nobody intended for that to happen.

[JimJohnson]

How about seat belts on bicycles? Ggggggggeeeeeeeezzzzzzzz. Calm down!

[ghazen0001]

The cart did have seat belts and the one little girl was in a child seat and was not injured at all. The other was hurt and broke the windshield out when the cart hit the end of the tunnel , the father was ejected when the cart hit the curb just before the tunnel and was unconscious face down in the middle of the golf cart trail. my wife and I were the second ones on the scene. My wife went to the children and I went the father who had some serious head injuries. the seat belt on the left side was buckled behind the father and his daughter as there were only two seat belts and three people in the seat, so when the cart hit the curb the father was ejected and the cart continued about 30 to 40 feet and hit the end of the tunnel with the two right wheels up on the dirt straddling the curb on the south bound side of the cart trail. One child was injured the one in the belted child seat was not . Both the father and his beautiful little girl were transported to the hospital. Oh in case you are wondering I am a retired Major accident investigator

[OldManTime]

This is the week when you see children driving Carts, more than any season

[bobcat75]

:coolsmileyThe cart did have seat belts and the one little girl was in a child seat and was not injured at all. The other was hurt and broke the windshield out when the cart hit the end of the tunnel , the father was ejected when the cart hit the curb just before the tunnel and was unconscious face down in the middle of the golf cart trail. my wife and I were the second ones on the scene. My wife went to the children and I went the father who had some serious head injuries. the seat belt on the left side was buckled behind the father and his daughter as there were only two seat belts and three people in the seat, so when the cart hit the curb the father was ejected and the cart continued about 30 to 40 feet and hit the end of the tunnel with the two right wheels up on the dirt straddling the curb on the south bound side of the cart trail. One child was injured the one in the belted child seat was not . Both the father and his beautiful little girl were transported to the hospital. Oh in case you are wondering I am a retired Major accident investigator

[bobcat75]

I saw many Negative and positive comments and I am glad you cleaned this mess up Thanks , from a Navy retired Paramedic

[New Englander]

What a really sad situation. I hope a full recovery for them.
Yesterday I saw a four passenger golf cart with two adults in the front and two kids in the rear seat. One child looked about 5 yrs old. The other child looked about 8 and was STANDING up talking to grand parents in the front. All the while driving 15/18 mph.

[robinsdw2]

Rules don’t correct STUPID !!!!!! We’ve seen far too many visitors on carts who don’t know the rules. It is the residents responsibility for how their guests operate their vehicles. They should make sure they discuss this with guests. These are vehicles - not toys.

[Ladygolfer93]

Villages News June 25, 2019

Sledd, the son of John Daniel and Debra Sledd of 750 Rockingham Road, was totally ejected, the report said. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, having suffered “incapacitating” injuries, according to FHP.

The golf cart sustained an estimated $4,500 in damage. It had to be towed from the scene.

The investigator wrote in the report that Sledd had “operated motor vehicle in careless or negligent manner.”
This could be compared to the gun argument (No, I am NOT trying to open that so don't get mean and jump all over me..LOL !), I am simply trying to add that people are people. Some will use seat belts, some will not. How to you legislate the WAY people drive golf carts ? I don't think a day goes by I don't see truly awful things with carts and "their" people. At Easter time the renters on the block allowed their young children (oldest looked about 12 ? 14?) to circle the block at 11:30 p.m. until after midnight, in a "wild" manner (two younger ones hanging onto rack made for clubs). The adults had to still be awake, but no one did a thing for 45 minutes. So, people are people, making laws about carts having seat belts does not solve it. If it saves a life, that's a blessing, but I had a friend in Colorado who was horribly burned when her gas cart turned over and "exploded" (reason was never determined), had she not had on a seat belt she would have been able to escape from under the cart. Everyone has a story of someone saved and someone hurt with ATV's, carts, etc. SLOW down, don't act so superior because you have found a way to increase the speed of your cart, be kind to others, don't take chances passing other carts just to reach a destination literally seconds before the cart you passed. We don't need laws, if people want to spend $200 more that is wonderful, but let's see what kindness and patience might do.

[nabrush]

When will people —residents and guests—ever realize that in The Villages, golf carts are NOT toys. Yes, they are fun, but Also are a vital means of transportation down here. But so many people seem to think that safety rules of the road don’t need to apply to the carts. Unfortunately, not all persons are equipped with “common sense” but they still endanger others by driving the carts as “fun toys”!

[BobnBev]

The cart did have seat belts and the one little girl was in a child seat and was not injured at all. The other was hurt and broke the windshield out when the cart hit the end of the tunnel , the father was ejected when the cart hit the curb just before the tunnel and was unconscious face down in the middle of the golf cart trail. my wife and I were the second ones on the scene. My wife went to the children and I went the father who had some serious head injuries. the seat belt on the left side was buckled behind the father and his daughter as there were only two seat belts and three people in the seat, so when the cart hit the curb the father was ejected and the cart continued about 30 to 40 feet and hit the end of the tunnel with the two right wheels up on the dirt straddling the curb on the south bound side of the cart trail. One child was injured the one in the belted child seat was not . Both the father and his beautiful little girl were transported to the hospital. Oh in case you are wondering I am a retired Major accident investigator

Sounds like speed and inexperience were factors.:ohdear:

[coastalnh]

Many people drive golf carts as if they were driving their car. They shouldn't do that. Carts do not have the safety features as those found in cars. I also see a sense of entitlement. Many think that they can share the road with cars equally which causes many accidents. I almost hit a golf cart the other day because they came out of the golf cart lane to turn left right in front of me. Thank God I have great brakes. I beeped at him and he just waved me off. Although golf cart drivers are Villagers, they do not have the right of way. So, in my opinion, attitude plays a big role in many accidents.

[Chatbrat]

A several golf cart drivers have been killed, when they turn left directly from the golf cart lane--driving a cart is a totally different game, from driving a car--there is VERY little room for error

[mkolbe]

We had our 4-seater golf cart installed with seat belts front & back. Peace of mind. We also had the directional lights retrofitted with automatic "off" mechanism. Prior to that fix, I kept forgetting to turn off the directionals causing others to turn in front of me thinking I was still making a right turn. I have forgotten to turn off the headlights a few times which drains the battery. We have a gas golf cart. Remember: a golf cart is NOT like a car. It takes practice.

[DonH57]

A several golf cart drivers have been killed, when they turn left directly from the golf cart lane--driving a cart is a totally different game, from driving a car--there is VERY little room for error

Yep. People still do it. See it every day.

[Lovey2]

another golf cart accident--Parents loaned a golf cart to their son--he ran the cart into a tunnel wall, he and his two six year old daughters were transported to Ocala Regional--the cart didn't have seat belts--

I don't know where you got this story, but you are full of it!! I happen to know the people involved. It was an unfortunate "accident', the girls were not both his daughters and THEY WERE SEATBELTED! And...they were not ALL TRANSPORTED to Ocala Regional!! How rude this is! Just where did you get this story, and don't say the paper because that was incorrect also. And how about feeling a little bad for the driver who was hurt and very distraught. And the parents and grandparents? There are accidents, ya know. Hopefully one won't befall you some day and we won't be sitting in judgement on you!

[ColdNoMore]

I don't know where you got this story, but you are full of it!! I happen to know the people involved. It was an unfortunate "accident', the girls were not both his daughters and THEY WERE BOTH SEATBELTED! And...they were not ALL TRANSPORTED to Ocala Regional!! How rude this is! Just where did you get this story, and don't say the paper because that was incorrect also. And how about feeling a little bad for the driver who was hurt and very distraught. And the parents and grandparents? There are accidents, ya know. Hopefully one won't befall you some day and we won't be sitting in judgement on you!

Thank you for the additional information. :thumbup:


I hope all recover soon. :ho:

[Lovey2]

Thank you for the additional information. :thumbup:


I hope all recover soon. :ho:

Thanks. According to one of the posts above, the gentleman first on the scene, he said 1 girl wasn't belted. I guess he would know. I thought they both were. Regardless, I know the father and he would in no way be driving crazy. It was an ACCIDENT...they happen. Anyway, they are all OK. Thanks...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

How to you legislate the WAY people drive golf carts ?

You legislate it the same way you legislate driving cars. Require a license, registration, and insurance. Have actual laws, and enforce them. Require accountability for lawbreakers.

There should be no "this lady lets her 12-year-old kid drive the golf cart all summer long on the streets in the Villages of Hacienda. That kid should've been spotted by or reported to the police within the first couple of days, and the grandmother given a ticket for traffic violation and arrested for risk of injury to a minor.

Until there is legislated and enforced accountability, there will be people breaking the rules and there's not a damned thing you can do about it other than complain.

[graciegirl]

You legislate it the same way you legislate driving cars. Require a license, registration, and insurance. Have actual laws, and enforce them. Require accountability for lawbreakers.

There should be no "this lady lets her 12-year-old kid drive the golf cart all summer long on the streets in the Villages of Hacienda. That kid should've been spotted by or reported to the police within the first couple of days, and the grandmother given a ticket for traffic violation and arrested for risk of injury to a minor.

Until there is legislated and enforced accountability, there will be people breaking the rules and there's not a damned thing you can do about it other than complain.

The State of Florida allows children to drive golf carts at the age of 14. It is against the law to drink and drive ANYTHING. Adding more laws sometimes helps and sometimes like the laws against drugs, it doesn't change much at all. I think that driving with full attention is what you should do and I should do and everyone should do.

[Chatbrat]

Of course the family will dispute the info provided via the police report, their boy could never be blamed, even though he was cited by authorities, and the girls would not have needed to be transported if they belted in--remember denial is not a river in Egypt

[mjc1145]

I am not a permanent resident of The Villages, but a frequent renter and golf cart driver. I don't have a problem with safety belts in golf carts, but don't kid yourselves on the amount of protection they provide. As mentioned in previous comments, golf carts lack most of the safety devices and innovations in today's automobiles...basically they are at less than 1960's safety technology! That said, when you combine this with their limited power, it seems ridiculous to consider them "street worthy" and allow them to drive in the main driving lanes rather than just cart/bike paths. Allowing them on roads like Morse or Buena Vista Blvds is just an accident waiting to happen...and we all know who is going to lose when it does.

[Henryk]

...

[Henryk]

The State of Florida allows children to drive golf carts at the age of 14. It is against the law to drink and drive ANYTHING. Adding more laws sometimes helps and sometimes like the laws against drugs, it doesn't change much at all. I think that driving with full attention is what you should do and I should do and everyone should do.

Gracie dear, amen!

[Henryk]

You are correct.

....

Those words are music to my ears! :a040:

[pauld315]

That said, when you combine this with their limited power, it seems ridiculous to consider them "street worthy" and allow them to drive in the main driving lanes rather than just cart/bike paths. Allowing them on roads like Morse or Buena Vista Blvds is just an accident waiting to happen...and we all know who is going to lose when it does.

There are no carts on Buena Vista anywhere unless they are street legal. The only carts in main driving lanes are carts that have been deemed street legal by FDOT. I do agree though that an MMP needs to be built along Morse Blvd north of 466 and on Rio Grande..

[salgent]

Almost 3 years next month a reckless neighbor nearly killed me. He hit the gas upon leaving a recreation center making a sharp left hand turn before he gave me a chance to "Belt up". He then turned the Victim into the Villon to hide his guilt and my wife and I are disrespected on our street, many times not invited to his neighbors friends driveway parties on my street. Talk about Neighbor wars, Geez..With that seat belt on I could have avoided the physical damage sustained. Be careful your life can change in a "Blink of an eye". That is ok, I am so much better now, we still love our street and don't intend on ever moving...

[EdFNJ]

I am not a permanent resident of The Villages, but a frequent renter and golf cart driver. I don't have a problem with safety belts in golf carts, but don't kid yourselves on the amount of protection they provide. As mentioned in previous comments, golf carts lack most of the safety devices and innovations in today's automobiles...basically they are at less than 1960's safety technology! That said, when you combine this with their limited power, it seems ridiculous to consider them "street worthy" and allow them to drive in the main driving lanes rather than just cart/bike paths. Allowing them on roads like Morse or Buena Vista Blvds is just an accident waiting to happen...and we all know who is going to lose when it does.


"Golf Carts" aren't allowed on Morse or B.V. unless they are street legal (licensed, registered AND insured) and approved and inspected by FLDOT. You see hundreds, maybe thousands of times more BICYCLES on those roads than golf carts. They need NO inspection and have NO protective safety features and do NOT need to be insured. The riders don't even need to wear helmets. Many of those bicycles can keep up in speed with street-legal golf carts which can go 25mph. Why not worry about bicyclists? There are a lot more of them.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Golf carts ARE allowed on Morse Boulevard, in certain areas. There's even a section of road lined specifically for the purpose.

[DonH57]

"Golf Carts" aren't allowed on Morse or B.V. unless they are street legal (licensed, registered AND insured) and approved and inspected by FLDOT. You see hundreds, maybe thousands of times more BICYCLES on those roads than golf carts. They need NO inspection and have NO protective safety features and do NOT need to be insured. The riders don't even need to wear helmets. Many of those bicycles can keep up in speed with street-legal golf carts which can go 25mph. Why not worry about bicyclists? There are a lot more of them.

I believe you are refering to El Camino and B.V. Golf carts are allowed on Morse from 27/441 to 466. The remainder of Morse has a MMP running along side.

[BobnBev]

Almost 3 years next month a reckless neighbor nearly killed me. He hit the gas upon leaving a recreation center making a sharp left hand turn before he gave me a chance to "Belt up". He then turned the Victim into the Villon to hide his guilt and my wife and I are disrespected on our street, many times not invited to his neighbors friends driveway parties on my street. Talk about Neighbor wars, Geez..With that seat belt on I could have avoided the physical damage sustained. Be careful your life can change in a "Blink of an eye". That is ok, I am so much better now, we still love our street and don't intend on ever moving...

I sure hope you called Dan Newlin.

[EdFNJ]

Golf carts ARE allowed on Morse Boulevard, in certain areas. There's even a section of road lined specifically for the purpose.
Obviously the guy I was replying to was referring to "on the streets" "MAIN DRIVING LANES" STREET LEGAL which was why he mentioned Morse AND B.V. which obviously what I was referencing in my reply but thanks for keeping me honest. :D

Oh, his quote was: ...... that said, when you combine this with their limited power, it seems ridiculous to consider them "street worthy" and allow them to drive in the main driving lanes rather than just cart/bike paths.

[EdFNJ]

I believe you are refering to El Camino and B.V. Golf carts are allowed on Morse from 27/441 to 466. The remainder of Morse has a MMP running along side. No, I was referring to MORSE and B.V. "ON THE MAIN DRIVING LANES RATHER THAN JUST CART/BIKE PATHS" as the poster I replied to stated. Very well aware of all the roads and paths after over 15,000 "golf cart/(LSV)" miles in the last 2.5 years, but please read message before this as well as the message I originally replied to so you will have a full understanding of what I replied to and the point I was trying to make.

[Polar Bear]

...

[NatureBoy]

We’re here for a Lifestyle visit. I’ve enjoyed tooling around in the golf cart, but can certainly see where they can be dangerous.
The Yamaha we have has no side restraints. I’ve seen others with fold down arms which seem like a good feature. At the tunnels, there are very sharp turns at the bottom of hills. I could easily see people skidding when braking if the roads are wet - which I did. The tunnels seem dark during the day. I don’t understand why they aren’t lit all the time; maybe it’s not really a problem. Driving one certainly seems to require quick reflexes & judgement of speed & corners - things that deteriorate with age & alcohol. Finally, at a few of the community gates I missed cars on the other side of the center island.

[Polar Bear]

... I’ve seen others with fold down arms which seem like a good feature...
I’ll vouch for that. A seat upgrade with fold down armrests was the one option we got on our Yamaha and I’m so glad we did.