Golf Cart Safety

Golf carts are efficient ways to get around sprawling properties. From assisting with mobility issues to moving light equipment or housekeeping and janitorial supplies from place to place, there are benefits to utilizing these types of vehicles. However, as they become more widely used by organizations, safety issues involving golf carts are increasingly concerning.  

Although these vehicles look harmless and easy to use, according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS)¹, hundreds of thousands of golf cart accidents occur annually.   

Developing a set of policies and a user agreement for golf cart use by employees, volunteers, families and lessors is an effective way to ensure all users understand the risks and hazards. A safety orientation should be in place for all drivers prior to their use of a golf cart.   

These are essential safety tips for drivers and passengers, as well as the overall management of these types of vehicles in your organization. 

Driver and Passenger Guidelines: 

1. Always keep arms and legs inside the golf cart.  

2. Passengers are limited to the number of seats provided. Additionally, if seat belts are provided, they must be used, and the number of passengers may not exceed the number of seatbelts.  

3. All passengers must remain seated when golf carts are in use. Standing or hanging on the side or rear is not permitted.  

4. Follow traffic rules. Use your hand or turn signals when making turns and yield to pedestrians; they have the right of way.   

5. Check your surroundings and drive defensively. Check behind the vehicle before backing up, be aware of blind spots, use caution when driving in areas with regular-sized vehicles like parking lots and public streets, and never assume other drivers will get out of the way.  

6. Distracted driving rules also apply to golf carts. Do not text and drive. 

7. Be aware that sudden stops or changes in direction can make you lose control of the golf cart. 

8. Avoid driving in extreme weather (e.g., heavy rain or snow). Use extra care and reduce speed in bad weather and on wet, slick surfaces.  

9. Follow manufacturer guidelines on weight load to prevent drag, rollovers or mechanical issues. 

10. Driving while intoxicated is prohibited and can bring the same legal action as operating a motor vehicle under these conditions. 

11. When parked, always fully engage the parking brake. Keys should be removed when parked to restrict access.  

12. Protect your valuables and remove them from the golf cart after each use.   

Golf Cart Management & Maintenance Guidelines: 

1. Determine who is approved to drive. Approved drivers should complete orientation and meet age and experience requirements. It is not recommended that underage or inexperienced drivers operate golf carts.  

2. Set a speed limit and boundaries. Golf carts should not be driven off-road, over rocks, on hills or on uneven terrain. 

3. Perform and document vehicle safety checks frequently, paying attention to tire inflation levels. Comprehensive mechanical checks should occur once or twice yearly, depending on the use schedule. 

4. If the golf cart is owned, consider installing headlights, taillights and seatbelts if these safety items are not part of the vehicle.  

Reference: 
A Complete Guide To Golf Cart Safety - GolfCarts.org