Just a Thought

[Boffin]

The study by the Taylor & Francis Group compiled information about golf cart crashes in The Villages between 2011 and 2019. During the observation period, a total of 875 golf cart-related accidents occurred, representing an average of 136 crashes, 65 hospitalizations and nine dead or disabled annually. Of all crashes, 48 percent resulted in hospitalization, severe trauma or death. Of these, ejection occurred in 27 percent, hospitalization in 55 percent and death or disability in 15 percent of crashes.

“Virtually all death and disability occurred within the setting of golf carts used on streets or road pathways. Death and disability particularly due to ejection during golf cart crashes, occur at an alarming rate when golf carts are used for local transportation,” the study’s authors wrote.

[Stu from NYC]

Why are seat belts not required?

[Boffin]

The National Golf Car Manufacturers Association has stated that, “seat belts are more of a safety detriment to the occupant than beneficial.” It is the association’s position that a golf cart without seat belts affords the ability to “jump from a moving cart during a rollover event.”

[retiredguy123]

Very confusing and conflicting numbers. 136 crashes per year times 15 percent equals 20 deaths or disabilities per year. Yet, the previous sentence says there were only 9 deaths or disabilities per year from crashes. Which is it? And why combine deaths and disabilities into the same statistic? Death is death, but there is a huge range of subjective definitions for disabilities.

But, I don't own a golf cart because I think it is too dangerous to travel on the same roads as cars and trucks.

[Bill14564]

What is the thought? This appears to be just an excerpt of a report with no thought included.

[MartinSE]

The National Golf Car Manufacturers Association has stated that, “seat belts are more of a safety detriment to the occupant than beneficial.” It is the association’s position that a golf cart without seat belts affords the ability to “jump from a moving cart during a rollover event.”

That is almost word for word one of the arguments against seatbelts in cars. Turns out it was wrong there too.

Maybe roll cages and seatbelts would be a good idea, thankfully not too many innocent bystanders are killed by golf cart drivers flying out and hitting them.

So, not wearing seatbelts is kind of Darwin in real time.

[Boffin]

What is the thought? This appears to be just an excerpt of a report with no thought included.

Okay, then it is a thoughtless excerpt or perhaps an excerpt to think about.

[mikreb]

The National Golf Car Manufacturers Association.... without seat belts affords the ability to “jump from a moving cart during a rollover event.”

Yeah! Because at our age we are agile enough to MacGyver our way out of a golf cart. It's all I can do to get in and out while it's not moving.

[Papa_lecki]

Very confusing and conflicting numbers. 136 crashes per year times 15 percent equals 20 deaths or disabilities per year. Yet, the previous sentence says there were only 9 deaths or disabilities per year from crashes. Which is it? And why combine deaths and disabilities into the same statistic? Death is death, but there is a huge range of subjective definitions for disabilities.

But, I don't own a golf cart because I think it is too dangerous to travel on the same roads as cars and trucks.

In the 8 years, there were 9 deaths, about 1 per year.

[Michael G.]

Yeah! Because at our age we are agile enough to MacGyver our way out of a golf cart. It's all I can do to get in and out while it's not moving.

:boom:

[Bill14564]

In the 8 years, there were 9 deaths, about 1 per year.

I think that was 9 per year but the numbers are still odd.

If there were 875 total crashes over the period for an average of 136 per year then the period must be 6.5 years (875/136=6.4). I don't understand how "between 2011 and 2019" works out to be 6.5 years.

With 6.5 years you can get: 875 total * 48% result in hospital or death * 15% of those are death / 6.5 yrs = 9.7 deaths/year which is close to what was stated.

[bagboy]

I think the Taylor and Francis Group have an extremely faulty study. If someone really wanted accurate statistics, the counties and local towns, And the Florida Highway Patrol would each have their share. I've known of 9 or 10 deaths in the past 12-15 years in total , not yearly.

[Bill14564]

I think the Taylor and Francis Group have an extremely faulty study. If someone really wanted accurate statistics, the counties and local towns, And the Florida Highway Patrol would each have their share. I've known of 9 or 10 deaths in the past 12-15 years in total , not yearly.

Good point. We've been here two years and while I think there was an article or two about a death from a golf cart accident, there certainly have not been 18.

UPDATE: From the study, death or disability means death, obviously, and "Neurological injury with brain or spinal cord injury, or sufficiently severe to require transfer to a Level 1 trauma center." While there may not have been 18 deaths, there could have been 18 serious injuries.

[Boffin]

Criticism of the study methodology might be more credible if you actually read the entire study.

Please Wait... | Cloudflare (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343755636_Analysis_of_death_and_disability_due_to_ golf_cart_crashes_in_The_Villages_Florida_2011-2019)

[Bill14564]

Criticism of the study methodology might be more credible if you actually read the entire study.

Please Wait... | Cloudflare (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343755636_Analysis_of_death_and_disability_due_to_ golf_cart_crashes_in_The_Villages_Florida_2011-2019)

I read it, all of it except the appendices, before making my post.

[Topspinmo]

The study by the Taylor & Francis Group compiled information about golf cart crashes in The Villages between 2011 and 2019. During the observation period, a total of 875 golf cart-related accidents occurred, representing an average of 136 crashes, 65 hospitalizations and nine dead or disabled annually. Of all crashes, 48 percent resulted in hospitalization, severe trauma or death. Of these, ejection occurred in 27 percent, hospitalization in 55 percent and death or disability in 15 percent of crashes.

“Virtually all death and disability occurred within the setting of golf carts used on streets or road pathways. Death and disability particularly due to ejection during golf cart crashes, occur at an alarming rate when golf carts are used for local transportation,” the study’s authors wrote.

Well, what surprise. Did the mention population when up 20 fold. Did they make comparisons to vehicle crashes also? I bet they when up at higher rate. Seniors don’t bounce well anymore nor do they react or make good decisions. So naturally Put them in there toy racer and accidents has to go up. Also did they study how many golf cart drivers were at fault in those deaths? Probably 80% or more IMO.

[Luggage]

My response to needing seat belts is that why are humans dumber than dummies? And don't use them or buy them? $95 and Priceless as the commercial says

[MandoMan]

The National Golf Car Manufacturers Association has stated that, “seat belts are more of a safety detriment to the occupant than beneficial.” It is the association’s position that a golf cart without seat belts affords the ability to “jump from a moving cart during a rollover event.”

This makes sense for carts used while playing golf where there may be driving at angles down hills and the speed at which the roll happens may actually be quite slow. Collisions with cars are not much of a problem on golf courses, either. I think it is different when carts are being driven at their top speed on flat roads or paths where collisions are more serious and rolls are more likely to occur after sudden sharp turns at speed. For many of us, simply falling out of a parked cart could lead to a serious injury. Being ejected from a moving cart is much worse. Even jumping from a moving cart, if that were possible, would be likely to cause many of us serious injuries. I believe in seatbelts.

[nn0wheremann]

That is almost word for word one of the arguments against seatbelts in cars. Turns out it was wrong there too.

Maybe roll cages and seatbelts would be a good idea, thankfully not too many innocent bystanders are killed by golf cart drivers flying out and hitting them.

So, not wearing seatbelts is kind of Darwin in real time.
So how about bicycle helmets too? Seems logical that these would be effective preventing head injuries. Who is willing to be first?

[joelfmi]

That is why the village needs free community travel. Put they don't want to talk about it because it will cost them money.

[NoMo50]

Seat belts help prevent occupants from being thrown from carts when making quick turns, like when avoiding something in their path. They also prevent ejection during collisions that do not involve a rollover. We have a neighbor who was hurt badly when their cart struck a fixed object. The passenger, not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the cart and suffered some serious injuries. In a rollover crash, you're gonna get hurt whether you're wearing a seatbelt or not. But, for us, the seat belts get used 100% of the time, just like in a car.

[golfing eagles]

That is why the village needs free community travel. Put they don't want to talk about it because it will cost them money.

Free????? As in those who don't use it pay for those that do????? Perhaps they could set up a progressive "free" community travel surcharge based on assets, so "the rich" pay more. Or, maybe "the greedy developer" should pay for it out of pocket. Geez.

[TorriJ]

Double post deleted

[MidWestIA]

If you were aware enough to jump before the crash you would have avoided the crash

[TorriJ]

Very confusing and conflicting numbers. 136 crashes per year times 15 percent equals 20 deaths or disabilities per year. Yet, the previous sentence says there were only 9 deaths or disabilities per year from crashes. Which is it? And why combine deaths and disabilities into the same statistic? Death is death, but there is a huge range of subjective definitions for disabilities.

But, I don't own a golf cart because I think it is too dangerous to travel on the same roads as cars and trucks.

Out of 136 crashes, 48 percent required hospitalization. Out of that, 15 percent resulted in death or disability.
136 times .48 times .15 = 9

[Joe C.]

The more people partake of an activity, the more incidents will occur. And at the age of most Villagers, even more accidents will happen. There is always risk, whether it's in a golf cart, motorcycle, car, atv, jet ski ..... you get the picture.
Now, these accidents are experienced by the MINORITY of drivers, so there should be NO RESTRICTIONS OR MANDATES that the majority of us should submit to. We don't need more regulation, and no free rides (hear me, progressives?).
All we need to do is PAY ATTENTION, which for some people can be difficult. The price of inattentiveness is an accident.
We just need to do things with better vigilance.

[Notsocrates]

Why are seat belts not required?


Because we are adults and are capable of making good choices, or not.

[Boffin]

If you need a study or a law to wear a seatbelt, you might be a Darwin Award candidate.

[Boffin]

Because we are adults and are capable of making good choices, or not.

Interesting concept these days: freedom to choose.

[Papa_lecki]

I’ve witnessed 2 golf carts accidents here. Both were due to one of the drivers NOT knowing where to turn or who had the right of way/stop sign.

[JeepsterGlenn]

The National Golf Car Manufacturers Association has stated that, “seat belts are more of a safety detriment to the occupant than beneficial.” It is the association’s position that a golf cart without seat belts affords the ability to “jump from a moving cart during a rollover event.”
Two concerns, golf carts designed for golf courses go much slower than the Villages versions so you might have time to jump out on a golf course but not on a road version.

Also you shouldn’t jump out of a golf cart unless you are wearing a motorcycle helmet!

[jmpalladino]

The study by the Taylor & Francis Group compiled information about golf cart crashes in The Villages between 2011 and 2019. During the observation period, a total of 875 golf cart-related accidents occurred, representing an average of 136 crashes, 65 hospitalizations and nine dead or disabled annually. Of all crashes, 48 percent resulted in hospitalization, severe trauma or death. Of these, ejection occurred in 27 percent, hospitalization in 55 percent and death or disability in 15 percent of crashes.

“Virtually all death and disability occurred within the setting of golf carts used on streets or road pathways. Death and disability particularly due to ejection during golf cart crashes occur at an alarming rate when golf carts are used for local transportation,” the study’s authors wrote.

Thank you for making us aware of this and pointing out that the roadways vs the intermodal paths are where a significant amount of these accidents occur. Maybe the county commissioner will see this as an act in making the county roads that have both vehicles and golf cart traffic safe for golf carts. If they don't react and provide for true studies and action on the results of such studies, maybe they need to be voted out in the coming elections. Come on folks it is your lives that matter!

[golfing eagles]

Thank you for making us aware of this and pointing out that the roadways vs the intermodal paths are where a significant amount of these accidents occur. Maybe the county commissioner will see this as an act in making the county roads that have both vehicles and golf cart traffic safe for golf carts. If they don't react and provide for true studies and action on the results of such studies, maybe they need to be voted out in the coming elections. Come on folks it is your lives that matter!

A little closer examination: 9 years, 9 deaths (according to posts above). I remember at least 2 of them were when a cart turned directly in front of a car, and one where the car turned in front of the cart. So at least 3 were bonehead moves, probably most if not all.

So how exactly would one make these roads "safer". License cart drivers? Retest driver license renewals? Spend millions on a "true study" ?(whatever that is). Personally, I'd like to vote for the county commissioners that say no to this garbage and not try to fix stupidity on the part of drivers by throwing millions away trying to make the world safe. Unless the majority want big brother to run every aspect of their lives.

[Boffin]

And the Darwin Awards just keep on coming.

[ldj1938]

In my 22 year here I've seen three people ejected from a golf cart. One involved a man having some sort of seizure, hitting the curb and being ejected. Airlifted.

Two have involved husband making quick left turn and wife falling out and hitting the pavement. Very bad injuries in both instances. My wife, an RN, helped until the ambulance arrived.

WEAR A SEAT BELT.

[HJBeck]

Why are seat belts not required?

Why are helmets not required? Guess they believe we are adults and don't need government telling us what to do. People get to make their choices, and just have to live with it.

[Boffin]

Why are helmets not required? Guess they believe we are adults and don't need government telling us what to do. People get to make their choices, and just have to live with it.
Or die with it. It is their call.

[Pgcacace]

There was another golf cart death on Thursday on Morse Blvd. So sad.

[Bill14564]

There was another golf cart death on Thursday on Morse Blvd. So sad.

Has that been reported as a death now?

[jmpalladino]

A little closer examination: 9 years, 9 deaths (according to posts above). I remember at least 2 of them were when a cart turned directly in front of a car, and one where the car turned in front of the cart. So at least 3 were bonehead moves, probably most if not all.

So how exactly would one make these roads "safer". License cart drivers? Retest driver license renewals? Spend millions on a "true study" ?(whatever that is). Personally, I'd like to vote for the county commissioners that say no to this garbage and not try to fix stupidity on the part of drivers by throwing millions away trying to make the world safe. Unless the majority want big brother to run every aspect of their lives.

I hope when you are driving on Morse Blvd. in your Golf Cart north of 466, very safely I might add, a truck does not come veering into you as they speed 45 miles an hour and sway into the cart and bike lane. FYI studies of traffic on county roads do not cost millions of dollars, if one does not know what the facts are one should not just make them up. Also, no one suggested that they wished big brother to run every aspect of one life, but rather government should ensure that roads are safe for all vehicles which travel on them. An example in Lake county, the roads are wider in the Villages on County roads where there are both vehicles and carts on roadways as compared to Sumter county. Stay safe my friend, and look at facts before you write in the future making statements that are not true, such as millions of dollars spent for a study are the safety of current county roadways in The Villages which are multi model.

[Pairadocs]

Okay, then it is a thoughtless excerpt or perhaps an excerpt to think about.

Excellent reply ! You can say that again, and AGAIN ! It's like the common phrase; "a study recently showed".... I don't think most people anymore have even the most basic introduction to the "research" process. Used to teach the basics beginning in 8th grade, in some places in 6th grade they begin to discuss variables, control groups, data manipulation, etc. The first question is WHO is Taylor & Francis ? A law firm ? A commercial survey service any company, from the association of golf cart manufacturers to an organization manufacturing seat belts ? HOW did they gather their "statistics" ? Were carts used ON golf courses across the nation included ? If not, HOW were the "control" and "experimental" groups selected ? WERE they selected, or perhaps they just relied on REPORTED "facts", if so, reported to WHO, and WHERE ? Emergency room personnel ? Police ? Well, you get the idea as you saw right through this at once. The whole post is absolutely meaningless....LOL ! I guess the answer is, if you think you would be safer strapped in, get seat belts of course, easy fix. If you fear getting a broken neck or other serious injury because of being strapped into an open vehicle that crashes, then definitely do not get belts, or don't fasten them if the cart has them. Pretty simple ! A really interesting "study", if conducted legitimately, might be how OPERATOR errors and SPEED affect percentage of "accidents", and like autos. alcohol ? Other drugs ? You are so correct, the information in the post in completely meaningless... unless maybe to places that sell seat belts ? Might motivate a few folks ?

[Boffin]

You cannot fix stupid. But, you can medicate it.

[golfing eagles]

I hope when you are driving on Morse Blvd. in your Golf Cart north of 466, very safely I might add, a truck does not come veering into you as they speed 45 miles an hour and sway into the cart and bike lane. FYI studies of traffic on county roads do not cost millions of dollars, if one does not know what the facts are one should not just make them up. Also, no one suggested that they wished big brother to run every aspect of one life, but rather government should ensure that roads are safe for all vehicles which travel on them. An example in Lake county, the roads are wider in the Villages on County roads where there are both vehicles and carts on roadways as compared to Sumter county. Stay safe my friend, and look at facts before you write in the future making statements that are not true, such as millions of dollars spent for a study are the safety of current county roadways in The Villages which are multi model.

yada, yada, yada

[Joe C.]

Golf cart paths on the roads in Lady Lake are narrower than those in Sumter County. You will immediately notice this aberration if you drive down Rio Grande from Morse Blvd towards 441.
As soon as you cross the county line, the squeeze is on.

[KennyP]

Id like to see, injury or death when seat belts were being used. Many seat belt installations are done very poorly, so seeing that stat would be interesting.

[JSR22]

That is why the village needs free community travel. Put they don't want to talk about it because it will cost them money.

We do NOT need free community travel. When you cannot drive a car or golf cart you can move into assisted or independent living. The facilities provide everything you need.

[Laker14]

That is why the village needs free community travel. Put they don't want to talk about it because it will cost them money.

thank you for your transparency.