GOLF CART SAFETY
Golf cart accident statistics reveal a troubling trend that most people don’t realize until it’s too late. For those seeking quick facts about these increasingly common incidents:
• Annual injuries: 15,000+ emergency department visits each year
• Growth rate: 130% increase in injuries over the past 15 years
• Children at risk: 31% of all victims are under age 16
• Fatalities: Approximately 600 deaths annually
• Most common injury: Fractures (93% of major orthopedic injuries)
• Leading cause: Ejection from cart (38% of incidents)
What was once viewed as a harmless way to navigate a golf course, has evolved into a significant safety concern as golf carts increasingly appear on residential streets, college campuses, and retirement communities.
As a result, in 2023, Florida Statute #317.212 was established which states that a golf cart may not be operated on public roads or streets by a person who is under 18 years of age unless he or she possesses a valid learner’s driver license or valid driver license. Our HP Rules and Regulations stipulate this as well.
From a safety standpoint, yielding to pedestrians, other golf carts and automobiles is crucial. Golf carts should always yield to ALL pedestrians and other vehicular traffic (i.e., full size cars/trucks/SUVS) in ALL cases. Being courteous to passersby and other vehicles, including other golf carts, not only keeps others safe, but keeps you safe as well.
Golf Cart Safety Tips:
• Keep all arms and legs inside the vehicle.
• Abide by all standard traffic rules.
• Drive defensively.
• Yield to pedestrians.
• Always drive sober.
• Avoid bumps in the road or sharp turns.
• Stay Safe.
GENERAL DRIVING SAFETY REMINDERS
When you’re driving……
• Yield to pedestrians. When making a turn and waiting for an opening in traffic, be aware that pedestrians may have moved into your path. They always have the right-of-way.
• Approach crosswalks carefully. If a pedestrian is crossing or about to cross, stop well back so drivers in other lanes also have time to yield. Do not pass another vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians.
• Follow the speed limit. Abiding by speed limits increases a driver’s ability to see and watch for pedestrians, to adjust for curves or objects in the roadway, and to avoid dangerous situations. Be sure to plan ahead to allow for extra time to get to your destination, and take time to call ahead if you’re running late, and always follow the speed limit.
• Be cautious around driveways and alleys. When entering and exiting, these can be very difficult places to spot pedestrians. Keep a close look out, and if you can’t see clearly, slow down.
• Be aware of children. They are often impulsive and can dart out in the street at any time. Follow the speed limit and be especially cautious around residential neighborhoods and school zones.
• Reduce distractions. Spotting pedestrians requires your full attention. Using a cell phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, reading a map, or changing the radio station only makes your driving more distracted, difficult, and dangerous. If you’re using a navigation app on your phone, set your destination before you begin driving.
• Never drink and drive. When you drink and drive, you’re compromising cognitive ability and responsiveness, which increases your risk of hitting someone, or having an accident.
Alert: The Fort Myers Police Department will be patrolling the streets within our HP community starting this month. Please drive safely!
