When you are ready to hit the green, the possibility of injuring yourself on a golf cart is probably the furthest thing from your mind. Golf carts are not exactly harmless, though. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, cart-related injuries sent more than 156,000 Americans to emergency rooms during a recent 10-year period.
As far as golf cart accidents go, rollover accidents tend to be the most serious. Luckily, because golf carts have low centers of gravity, rollovers are comparatively rare. Usually, golf carts tip onto their sides or tops for just a few reasons.
Driver error
The majority of golf cart rollover accidents happen because of driver error. For example, a cart might tip because its operator drives too quickly, turns too sharply or attempts to climb a steep hill. As a result, you can minimize your probability of suffering a serious injury simply by driving responsibly.
Impaired driving
Depending on the rules of your golf club, it might be perfectly acceptable to enjoy a beer or cocktail when you are on the course. Too much drinking, though, can be dangerous. Just as it is risky to drive a car, truck or SUV when you are under the influence of alcohol, impaired driving might cause you to maneuver your golf cart in an unsafe way.
Equipment failure
Golf carts are only as safe as their components allow them to be, of course. If a component on a golf cart wears out or breaks, the cart might roll. Therefore, before climbing into a golf cart, it is advisable to inspect its tires, wheels, axles and other parts.
Ultimately, if you have a catastrophic injury after a rollover accident in a golf cart, it may be advisable to explore pursuing financial compensation for your injury.
