How to Prevent Golf Cart Accidents By Chris G. At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Accidents are almost always prone to happen in a golf course. One could be hit by an errant golf ball or by an errant swing from a careless player. And then there’s the golf cart which has been an increasing source of accidents during the past few years.

One recent research showed that injuries related to golf cart accidents rose from nearly 6,000 cases in 1990 to more than 13,000 cases in 2006. This constitutes an increase of 132% during the seven-year period. Part of the reason for this rise in injuries related to the use of golf carts is the increasing usage of these motorized vehicles in golf courses across the US. The National Golf Foundation has estimated that golf carts are used in more than 65% of all 18-hole rounds played.

With this increased cart traffic in golf courses, club administrators have issued some reminders on proper golf cart use in order to avoid golf cart accidents. One of their simple reminder to drive golf carts in much the same way as driving in a street or highway. Cart-path intersections must be approached with caution, calling for either low speed or a complete stop. Another firm reminder is that a golf cart is not designed for a joy ride, which calls to mind that ironic incident about a NASCAR driver who was goofing off atop a moving golf cart and was injured after he was thrown off the vehicle.

Indeed, it takes only some common sense to avoid golf cart accidents. The golf cart should not be driven in places where the vehicles are not designed to go. Rough terrain, a ravine or gulley, commonly found in golf courses, are definitely not for golf cart driving. Wet turf, loose ground and areas near the greens are likewise places usually off limits to golf carts.

Golf club rules also prohibit golf cart driving in specific areas on the golf course. These places include those close to bunkers and the fairways leading to a par 3 hole. The restriction of cart driving in such an area is not only imposed so as to help prevent golf cart accidents but also to help maintain the ideal turf grass growing conditions in the course.

Golf cart use is also subject to a golfer’s etiquette that should be always observed. The driver should slow down and stop if he or she sees a player who is about to swing or take a putt in the green. The golf cart should be driven only after the player has completed the stroke, as the vehicle’s noise could be a distraction to the ongoing play.

Extra care should also be taken when backing up a golf cart, many of which beep when driven in reverse. Such beeps, while useful in avoiding golf cart accidents, are also distractions to players especially those who are putting in the green or are about to tee off. Etiquette also calls for getting into the cart at once after finishing a hole, and then moving on to the next tee mound before marking the scorecard. Doing this won’t unnecessarily delay the flight behind waiting for the green to be cleared of players.

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