Golf cart serious accident...14 year old driver
 

That is a chilling story, to say the least. Our former country club prohibited anyone from driving a cart who didn't have a driver's license and it was for good reason.

I'm so glad the boys are going to be alright. I wish all landlords who supply a cart to their renters would print and tape this article onto the refrigerator for their tenants to read and think about.

I'm not sure what landlords renting their homes to people with kids has to do with this. These kids were driving their family golf cart. They were operating completely within the law.

It is the law that I find completely baffling. People as young a fourteen years old, without a driver's license, are allowed to operate motor vehicles (golf carts are motor vehicles) on the public roads. They are expected to obey the rules of the road which they have never been required to learn. How exactly can they ticket a fourteen year old kid without a license for blowing a stop sign or driving on the wrong side of the road? In order to get a license, you need to study and learn the driving laws. You are then tested on those laws. How can we hold kids who have never been required to learn the law responsible for obeying them?

Don Not Totally Understand
 

I guess my problem with this story is the lack of complete details or maybe they were there and I just didn't see them.

Was this a 4-seater cart? Was speed a factor or just assumed? If not, then why is all the blame being placed on the 14-year old driver. According to the story, the child who fell off was riding on the back of the golf cart when the cart hit a bump. This could very well have happened if an adult (licensed at that) had been driving and/or speeding (if it was a factor). Speeding or unwise decisions is not limited to just kids.

Maybe I can go back and re-read the article to see if I can answer some of my own questions.

I agree. The problem is with the law itself. But, according to the story, Fruitland Park has a city ordinance requiring golf cart operators be older than 14. The parents of the kids may be fined.

I've seen renters in the neighborhood allowing their very young grandchildren to drive the carts alone, as if it were a toy, with no seat belts and no speed limiter on the electric carts. It's a disaster waiting to happen.

Kinda off subject, but not really. I remember when only those of us who have gas carts were creating disasters-waiting-to-happen because we ALL went too fast. (Ours used to go 19.6, but I think it's more like 18 now cuz like us, it's aging.)

Our insurance requires a valid drivers license to operate the golf cart and to be insured.

Change the law to 15. How will that stop people from falling out of a cart? Their have many instances of that happening here in the Villages with 65+ year old drivers.
Further, explain why golf cart traffic was recently allowed to happen on the streets of Fruitland Park? Thats right streets!

These folks may or may not have been renters but it seems from the article it was their permanent residence. What does it matter whether it is a renter's or an owner's child/grandchild driving a cart?

It is really about their age and driver training/licensing.

What he is saying about landlords supplying a golf cart to tenants is that the landlord will be liable for insurance claims.

Check with your insurance carrier and I am sure they will say NOT to include a golf cart with your rental property.

Yes, the Fruitland Park parents were negligent and should have to face legal consequences. As for the child who was injured; the article says it will be at least 6 months before he can ride a motorcycle again. I would bet the farm he does it way before that period.

No one should be allowed to drive a golf cart on the road without a drivers license. Period.

I'm not sure what the law is in Florida but in many states if a child is ticketed for driving without a license, he/she will not be allowed to get a drivers license at the normal age of 16, will have to take drivers ed and wait another year.

That's the law in Florida. It has been quoted by law enforcement in the Daily Sun.

I thought we were talking about golf carts.

Did you all know that anyone driving a golf cart on public roads (all the Villages) without a valid drivers license is subject to arrest?

Wrong.......


GOLF CARTS Q&A #9

What is the minimum age to operate a golf cart in The Villages?

Drivers must be at least 14 years of age under Florida law. Therefore, a golf cart driver is not required by Florida law to be a licensed driver, but it is nonetheless a good idea. In addition to being of age, drivers are also charged with knowing the rules of the road.

http://www.golfcartsafety.com/questions-answers#q_gc_9

Florida law dies not require a drivers license to drive a golf cart. You must be 14 or older. Some insurance companies do not require one have a drivers license because the law does not. VHA has a great golf cart safety program once a month. Law enforcement and insurance agent are there to answer your questions.

In answer to your question, if one does not have a drivers license they are issued one, ticket issued then license suspended. Once child obtains drivers license they start off with violation. Of course if someone who does not have a drivers license and never gets one it does not effect them except they have to pay the ticket or in case of DUI could spend some time in jail.

I have two reactions.

First … what does it say about the judgment of the parents to allow this? Laws notwithstanding, common sense would say “sorry kids, no taking the cart”

Second …when we first moved here we took the golf cart safety course, and it made an impression. I remember one of the panelists saying (in effect) that should you let your 14 year old grandson drive your golf cart away by himself, just remember that everything you own in life is riding on that cart with him. (referring to lawsuit potential).

In the meantime, it’s good to know the kid will apparently recover. Lesson learned, the hard way.

If I read correctly, the young boy hurt was riding in the rear, the driver hit a bump, and the rear passenger fell out. Seat belts might be a good idea in carts, regardless of the age of the driver and passengers.

Of course, seat belts are a good idea. However, HOW are you going to make sure a 12 to 14 year old WILL wear the seat belts when off on their own in the family golf cart.

Remember, these people WERE NOT from The Villages but were townspeople of Fruitland Park.

It is absolutely ridiculous to let young teen and pre-teen boys go alone in the family golf cart. Very, very poor parenting!

I wasn't praising their parenting skills, I was commenting on the use of seat belts by anyone that drives or rides in a golf cart.

I know, your comment is good and should be taken by everyone.

I have seen many adults in The Villages riding in the rear facing seats not seat belted in AND holding a small child on their lap or a baby in their arms. :ohdear: