Driving a golf cart may seem like an easy and even leisurely task. Lots of people drive them on a daily basis, whether it is in their own backyard or on the golf green. Although there are some safety tips you should keep in mind anytime you are operating a golf cart.
Today we’ll share some safety tips to help ensure that you are operating your golf cart in the safest way possible. These tips are great for any golf cart owner, whether you just purchased one or if you have been driving one for years. Keep reading to learn more about how to safely drive a golf cart!
Tip 1: Treat it Like a Regular Vehicle.
A lot of people make the mistake of treating a golf cart like a toy. This means that they do not take the responsibility of driving one seriously which can often lead to accidents. A golf cart is just like a car when it comes to driving. When you are driving a golf cart, you will want to obey by all safety laws and regulations just as you would when driving in a car.
One law that is especially important to follow is that you cannot drive golf carts intoxicated. This not only puts you at risk but also your passengers and those who are around you. The same rule applies for drug use as well.
Tip 2: Avoid Distractions
This is another tip that is the same for when you are driving a car. You’ll want to be sure you check your phone before you start moving in the golf cart. Even though it moves at a slower speed than traditional cars, it can still be dangerous to be on your phone while driving a golf cart.
A cell phone is not the only distraction you may encounter while operating a golf cart. You’ll want to make sure your passengers are not distracting you while you are driving. Similarly, you should not be reaching for things or eating while driving a golf cart.
Tip 3: Use the Safety Features
All passengers (including the driver) should use a seatbelt anytime that the golf cart is moving, even if it is just a short distance. Golf carts do not offer the same protection as cars since there are no doors, so it is important that you are strapped in the event that there would be an accident.
If you are driving the golf cart, you’ll also want to make sure that you only take the number of passengers that can fit in the seats. You do not want to allow anyone to be standing on the golf cart or hanging off the sides. Even if you do have the right amount of passengers, you’ll also want to make sure that everyone keeps objects and themselves inside the golf cart while it is moving. The exception to this rule is when you are signaling a turn.
Tip 4: Make Yourself Visible to Others
When you are driving a golf cart you want to make sure to signal your turns using a hand gesture as you would if you were on a bicycle. Before you make the turn, you’ll want to check and double-check your blind spots to make sure that you are not hitting anything or anyone. You’ll also want to remember that you should never be making a left turn from the golf cart lane!
Tip 5: Slow and Steady
It can be tempting to drive a golf cart at fast speeds, but you’ll want to remember that slow and steady is better, especially when going around turns. If you take turns at too fast of a pace, you will end up tipping the golf cart onto its side. Driving slowly is also better for the golf cart itself and will keep your golf cart battery in working condition for longer than if you were to drive it at full speed all the time.
If you happen to be driving a golf cart in inclement weather, it will be especially important to drive slowly. The same is true if you are in an area with a lot of people around. Speaking of people, you need to remember that you should always yield to pedestrians.
Tip 6: Remember the Brake
It is easy to forget that golf carts have a brake you can set if you chose to park it in a hill or an incline of any sort. It is incredibly important to set the brake so that the golf cart does not roll away!
Today we have shared six safety tips to help you drive a golf cart and keep yourself and your passengers safe. The key idea to remember is to treat the golf cart the same way you would treat a car. You’ll want to make yourself visible to others on the road and always remember to yield to pedestrians.
If you follow these tips, you’ll have a safe experience whether you are joyriding in your neighborhood or taking a golf cart out on the green.
