Retractable Seat Belts?

[Parker]

We've decided to buy seat belts for our golf cart after reading about the many ejection-type accidents from golf carts. They all seem reasonably priced and relatively easy to install. But the question we have is whether retractable or standard belts are better. Also, are just lap-belts okay, or does one really need shoulder restraints as well? Where did you buy? Any information would be helpful :)

[2 Oldcrabs]

Went to the golf cart safety class last month, and asked about installing seat belts. They do not recomend installing them because of "roll overs". Unless they are street legal, the roof can not support the 700-800lbs a cart weighs. I ask how many "roll over" vs ejection they had, but never really got an answer. I may have to make my own "rollbar". I can not find a real one in after market products. Google "golf cart parts" for OEM and after market parts. My favorite is Buggies Unlimited and they will mail you a catolog. :gc:

[jimbo2012]

Roll bars are available after market, no need to custom fabricate

[Parker]

Both comments very helpful. Rollovers? Interesting...will rethink things.

[2 Oldcrabs]

Roll bars are available after market, no need to custom fabricate
What I have found online for the Yamaha Drive are "ornamental" (not true rollover structure). Do you know of a web site or local merchant that carries a true rollover structure? Thanks.:gc:

[jimbo2012]

take a look at this one (http://www.outbackfabricators.com/138823.html)

http://www.outbackfabricators.com/mediac/400_0/media/2850a3d5c747e8cffff967bffffe417.JPG

[2 Oldcrabs]

take a look at this one (http://www.outbackfabricators.com/138823.html)

http://www.outbackfabricators.com/mediac/400_0/media/2850a3d5c747e8cffff967bffffe417.JPG

Thanks, I will check it out.

[All Sports]

What I have found online for the Yamaha Drive are "ornamental" (not true rollover structure). Do you know of a web site or local merchant that carries a true rollover structure? Thanks.:gc:

Hello,

True roll over certified roll bars or roll cages don't really exist in the golf cart aftermarket world, due to the cost in attaining the certification.

[red tail]

this is what a safe cart=

[eckbro]

Any safety expert who would state that seat belts are not necessary in golf carts should go back to safety school. To suggest that it's safer to be thrown from a "rollover" is warped thinking. The first body part to hit the ground is the head. Not a pretty site when it hits the concrete, especially when a young child. "Tipovers" are much more likely, and can easily occur at any speed from a curb hit or side impact from another vehicle. Ejection is the number one killer in golf cart mishaps. Ten deaths in The Villages in five years should give anyone pause to consider for themselves the risk of being tossed from any vehicle. When I see young children sitting in the rear seat without being belted in, I shudder, and wonder how grandpa and grandma would feel if they lost a precious grandkid to the road, instead of spending a few bucks to reduce the chance of them being tossed like a rag doll when a quick swerve threw them sideways. Extensive tests by National Safety groups have proved unequivocally that seat belt use in golf carts are far safer than
without. Do a Google search, and find that for yourself before taking the advice of local "experts".

[marennorge]

Grandpa and Grandma's Village Buggies on 441 North installed our retractable seat belts for a very reasonable price. Give Scott Prince, the owner a call to schedule. 352-552-8478

[tommy steam]

Any safety expert who would state that seat belts are not necessary in golf carts should go back to safety school. To suggest that it's safer to be thrown from a "rollover" is warped thinking. The first body part to hit the ground is the head. Not a pretty site when it hits the concrete, especially when a young child. "Tipovers" are much more likely, and can easily occur at any speed from a curb hit or side impact from another vehicle. Ejection is the number one killer in golf cart mishaps. Ten deaths in The Villages in five years should give anyone pause to consider for themselves the risk of being tossed from any vehicle. When I see young children sitting in the rear seat without being belted in, I shudder, and wonder how grandpa and grandma would feel if they lost a precious grandkid to the road, instead of spending a few bucks to reduce the chance of them being tossed like a rag doll when a quick swerve threw them sideways. Extensive tests by National Safety groups have proved unequivocally that seat belt use in golf carts are far safer than
without. Do a Google search, and find that for yourself before taking the advice of local "experts".

I think I will stay with a small sports car for now

[Advogado]

Agree. http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv19/05-0431-W.pdf. The data refute the advice given at the VHA golf-cart class.

[Frank7]

For those who agree that seat belts are a good safety measure on golf carts, the retractable style is functionally better because the loose belts have a 'knack'
of getting caught up under the seat and with Gas or Batteries there that is not a good place for loose seat belts.