Golf Cart Safety

golf cart safety - golf cart flipped on side

While driving a golf cart can be less complicated than operating a car, drivers still need to be cautious, aware and responsible – keeping their safety and the safety of their passengers top priority.

Golf carts can be dangerous. They are not a toy. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure a safe ride!

The 16 Fundamentals of Driving a Golf Cart

  1. Never drive recklessly or “joy ride”. Drive courteously. Obey all vehicle traffic laws and rules of the road.
  2. Never drive intoxicated or under the influence of any drug or narcotic.
  3. Avoid distractions while operating the golf cart – just as you would in an automobile. Be safe and attentive. Do not talk on the phone, text, or read, reach for objects, apply makeup, eat or drink.
  4. Golf carts should be equipped with seat belts for driver and all passengers. The driver and all occupants should utilize available seatbelts anytime the vehicle is in use.
  5. Only carry the number of passengers for which there are seats/seatbelts.
  6. Drivers and passengers should keep all body parts (arms, legs, feet, etc.) inside the cart while vehicle is in motion, except when the driver is signaling a turn.
  7. Do not allow anyone to ride standing in the vehicle or on the back platform of the vehicle. Do not put vehicle in motion until all passengers are safely seated inside vehicle.
  8. Operate the vehicle from the driver’s side only.
  9. Always use hand signals to indicate your intent to turn due to the small size and limited visibility of the turn signals available on a golf cart.
  1. Check blind spots before turning. When making a left hand turn, yield to the thru traffic lane and merge into that lane before turning left. Never make a left hand turn from the golf cart lane.
  2. Carefully turn and look behind the golf cart before backing up.
  3. Avoid sharp turns at maximum speed. Drive straight up and down slopes to reduce the risk of passenger ejections and/or rollover. Avoid excessive speed, sudden starts, stops and fast turns.
  4. Reduce speed due to accommodate adverse driving conditions, especially hills or other inclines or declines, blind corners, intersections, pedestrians and inclement weather.
  5. Do not leave keys in golf cart while unattended. Make sure the parking brake is set before exiting the cart.
  6. Always yield to pedestrians and be cognizant of motor vehicles.
  7. Use extreme caution in inclement weather. Although a golf cart may shield you from the rain, it may not protect you from a lightning strike.