POA questions golf cart seat belt issue
 

It’s about time that the POA has finally decided to take issue with the Sherriff’s Department recommendation against using seat belts for golf carts in TV. They are raising issues and challenging the Sheriff’s Department to provide accident statistics to support their anti seatbelt position. Here is a link to the article.

It makes no sense to me to apply the same standards for golf carts that are used exclusively on golf courses to those used in TV for transportation. Golf course carts are usually governed down to 14mph, travel mostly on unidirectional paths and soft fairways. The carts in TV are zipping in and out of traffic at 20mph, careening in and out of narrow two way tunnels, and dealing with other cars and trucks whose drivers think a stop sign means slow down a little.

The other day I watched a 6 year old hop into the passenger seat of a cart. His feet were a good 6 inches above the floor and he held onto his knees for support as the driver sped off down the road. It’s crazy. Please folks, get 3 point belts installed on your carts and use them on the streets of TV.

Ed, I didn't know the POA bulletin was delivered to Stonecrest. Only kidding I know you picked it up at Publix.:laugh:

Thanks, Ed....I agree.

Without a real roll cage, I'd rather get tossed out in an accident than wind up with a cart on top of me. Just sayin'.

I would have to vote No for seatbelts

It would help if you would at least read the article and comment from that standpoint instead of just making rhetorical statements.

Why bother when it's available on-line.

Ed, your comment "sped off" is pretty much key here! Seatbelts aren't needed "if" the folks driving aren't speeding and adhering to the rules of the road! Accidents do happen but mostly by folks who are distracted if you've read the POA in the past (they've been posting the accidents).

Ed, Are you suggesting these seatbelts for everyone or just for children? If for children, how old or how large? What about babies? Carseats?

I see Bicycle riders wear safety Helmets. They are also mandatory for children. Then same person gets in a cart with no belts or doors and travels 20 mph or faster.

With no protection seems like a accident waiting to happen. Did I not read on this site of a woman killed who flew out the passenger seat and hit her head on the road?

It's a free country and it's your right to not buckle up. In fact I come form a State where Motorcycle Helmets are mandatory. Here the hair is flying in the Breeze, or the glare is reflecting off the head!

But to chance flying out hitting your head on the concrete curb or a tunnel or tree makes the wife and I opt for the three point belt system

The real difference here in TV is that getting tossed out onto the street pavement in front of an oncoming truck or car going 30 mph....that then runs over us....is far more deadly or maiming than getting thrown out onto golf course turf. Many of the fatalities here have been from being thrown out and then getting run over by a much bigger vehicle.

Also, getting thrown out and hitting one's skull on a concrete curb or on pavement is a lot more likely to result in massive brain bleeding and spillage than if the head hits golf course grass.

Driver/passenger ejection studies done on golf course turf really do not apply to driving on paved city streets in 20-30 mph car/truck traffic here.

I just cannot believe that the State of Florida doesn't require helmets on motorcycles.

Apparently most injuries in golf carts happen when people fly out and hit their heads. Seems like seat belts or helmets would help. But they would certainly impact the feeling of freedom that a lot of wrinklies love.

Ed forgive me for being the one to point out the elephant in the room but since you are not a resident of TV do you think its right that you ought to be pushing suggestions that affect residents here?.....just saying

Makes sense to me !!

My grandchildren (ages 6 & 8) know they have to buckle up when riding in the cart. I would not have it any other way. A sudden bump, quick turn, etc. would be enough to throw a child from the cart. I am distressed when I see "Grandma" driving the cart with a little one on her lap. Not safe!