Safety Tips For Driving Your Golf Cart
Golf carts are great tools for not only the golf course, but for the beach, parks, and residential neighborhoods. Even though the top speed of a golf cart is only 15 to 25 miles per hour, it is crucial that you practice safe golf cart practices as you are still operating a vehicle. Here are some safety tips.
1. Keep all arms, legs, and extra cargo inside the cart at all times. Sometimes, it can be a distraction having up to 10 people in your cart, so it is important to keep everyone safe and secure with eyes on the road.
2.The cart should never be overloaded. This means only carrying the recommended amount of people, with the correct amount cargo. Typically golf cart capacity averages at around 370 pounds, but it does differ so check your model before you load. Excess cargo will cause the golf cart to ride low to the ground, which will lead to a slower speed and the potential danger of toppling over.
3.Golf carts do not have turning signals, so in order to make aware your intentions when turning use hand signals. You will still have a blind spot, so make sure to quickly glance behind you before merging. Only cross intersections and roads if all is clear.
4.Check your state laws to see who in your party is able to drive a golf cart! The minimum age to drive one is 13 in Georgia, Alabama, California, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Rhode Island, Vermont, and South Carolina. Most other states require the driver to be between 14 and 15 years of age. Always remember that since a golf cart is a miniature car, make sure the driver is responsible, not intoxicated, and can handle themselves in case of an emergency.
5.Do not drive your golf cart in dangerous weather. As you are not protected and the cart is made primarily of metal, these carts are prone to lightning strikes. They are also fragile, and can blow over with strong winds.
None of these safety tips would be relevant if you did not have a quality golf cart. There are many golf carts dealers that offer new and pre-owned golf carts to choose from.