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Florida is noted for its many golf course communities that attract people of all ages. A “must have” for many residents and visitors is a golf cart. No longer are golf carts just for playing golf, Americans find many uses for them, including getting around communities. 

Research shows that golf carts became trendy in the mid-2000s. A Bloomberg article titled 'More and More Towns Are Falling in Love With Golf Carts'  reported: “Decades after they rolled off the links and into airport terminals, theme parks, and university campuses, golf carts and their heftier cousins, known as low-speed electric vehicles, are gaining currency as a mobility option in pockets of the United States.” 

Golf carts may seem like a relaxed, non-dangerous, approach to Florida’s lifestyle, but their use has led to thousands of serious golf cart injuries each year. The Villages News reported in December 2022 that the top story for their community was golf cart fatalities. 

Safety & Health Magazine reports that golf carts traditionally lack safety features such as safety belts, doors, mirrors, and lights. The magazine cites researchers who note that golf cart-related injuries can range from lacerations and strains to fractures and traumatic brain injuries. Some injuries have even been fatal. 

Fort Myers Child Injuries Attorney Randall Spivey said golf cart use continues to expand to school drop-offs, pick-ups, and running errands. In Southwest Florida communities, we see more children driving them. The American Academy of Pediatrics said golf cart accident injuries to children are on the rise, and more than 6,500 are hurt each year. 

Florida Raises the Legal Age to Drive Golf Carts 

The Florida legislature has taken the statistics seriously. On July 1, 2023, the law when teens may drive golf carts changes. Previously, a 14-year-old could drive a golf cart. However, children even younger have been seen behind the wheel, according to State Senator Erin Grall of Ft. Pierce, the sponsor of the Senate version of the bill. Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB949 officially banning young drivers under 15 from public streets and requiring teens 15-17 to have a driver's license or driving permit to operate on public streets. 

Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents 

The American Journal of Preventive Medicine (AJPM) reported that the most common types of injuries seen in emergency rooms from golf cart accidents were soft tissue damage (47.7 percent) and falling from golf carts (38.3 percent). These accidents occurred 70.3 percent of the time at sports facilities, 15.2 percent on streets or public property, and 14.5 percent occurred around a home or farm. AJPM equates these accidents to the fact that golf carts have become much faster and more powerful. They may travel at speeds up to 25 mph and have battery lives that last over 40 miles. As the capability of golf carts increases, so do their potential uses and the number of accidents, primarily caused by: 

Distracted Driving 

Motor vehicle drivers should never drive while distracted, especially around areas where golf carts may be present. Golf carts are not “small cars.” They do not drive the same way. Texting or using cell phones while driving is particularly dangerous.

Sharing the Roads with Golf Carts 

Golf carts may be difficult to see because of their size and other distractions such as road signs. Motor vehicle drivers need to always be alert to the possibility of an approaching golf cart.

 Racing or Careless Golf Cart Driving 

Sometimes accidents occur because two or more golf cart drivers thought racing would be fun. Golf carts are not toys. They need to be treated with respect. 

Golf Cart Overloading 

When there is too much weight on a golf cart, they tend to tip or roll over. Specific weight requirements should be adhered to. These requirements are often stated in a golf cart’s operation manual. 

Driving Under the Influence 

Drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is always a negative whether it’s a car or a golf cart. Driving a car or a golf cart under the influence reduces a driver’s reaction time and causes accidents. 

Florida Golf Cart Insurance Requirements 

Florida does not require insurance for golf carts. However low-speed vehicles, or LSVs, are a separate category from golf carts and are required to have minimum liability coverage. Street legal golf carts that can go faster than 20 mph and have state-assigned VINs may be categorized as an LSV and require insurance.

 Who Can Be Held Liable in a Golf Cart Accident 

Generally, the golf cart owner may be liable for damage caused by his/her negligence. If a golf cart passenger is injured because of the negligence of the golf cart driver, then the golf cart driver could have liability. 

If the accident is caused by a golf cart defect or poor maintenance, then it becomes more complicated. The golf cart manufacturer may be liable; the company that performed any maintenance that resulted in an accident may be liable, and/or the owner of the golf cart may be liable for not performing any needed maintenance. 

Contact Experienced Fort Myers Golf Cart Accident Lawyer

Should you or a loved one be seriously injured in a golf cart accident, contact Fort Myers Golf Cart Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 24/7 at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com, after receiving immediate medical attention. Spivey Law deals with insurance companies and handles your case while you focus on recovery. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you.