The presence of golf carts on Upstate South Carolina roads continues to increase. Understanding how to avoid golf cart collisions is essential to keeping our roads safe.
Golf carts are more than just vehicles for navigating 18 holes. Over the last few years, golf carts have emerged as alternative vehicles for navigating around neighborhoods and cities.
According to media reports, a bride was recently killed after being struck by a driver en route to her wedding reception. The three other passengers including her new husband suffered serious injuries in the golf car collision.
In light of this horrific and avoidable tragedy, we would like to provide some important information about golf cart collisions. As fellow drivers, we can help keep roads safer for all vehicles.
If you or someone you know has suffered a serious injury in a golf car collision, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 864-235-4999 by clicking the button below or through our contact form.
South Carolina Golf Cart Collisions
Under South Carolina law, anyone operating a golf cart on a public road must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. In addition, they must follow all traffic laws that apply to any vehicle on the road. They are only allowed to travel on roads that have a 35 miles per hour or less speed limit unless they are crossing a road with a higher speed limit.
Whether on the course or driving around the neighborhood operating a golf cart after drinking is incredibly dangerous — and illegal. Golf carts should be treated just like any other vehicle. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or are otherwise impaired.
According to one study, between 2010 and 2019, more than 63,500 children suffered injuries in golf carts.
Avoiding Golf Cart Collisions
Following these safety precautions can help you avoid colliding with a golf cart.
- Stay Back: Do not ride the tail end of a golf cart. There is nothing that you will do to make the cart go faster as they can’t exceed 35 mph and you may just cause an accident.
- Remove Distracting Sounds: Golf carts can be more difficult to hear than typical vehicles.
- Slow Down: It’s never a good idea to speed, but it is even more important to stick to the speed limit when you are driving next to and around golf carts.
- Look Behind You: Don’t rely on your mirrors. Golf carts are small and can easily fit in your blind spot. Look over your shoulders when changing lanes or passing carts.
- Use Turn Signals: Turning abruptly without signaling can cause a golf cart to swerve and tip over as a result. Always use your turn signals when changing lanes or making turns.
Golf Cart Injury Lawyer
If you’re injured while riding or driving a golf cart, you have options. Golf cart accident victims can seek compensation for the losses they suffered.
For almost 20 years, Thomas Creech has represented clients in a variety of personal injury cases including those involving golf carts. Failing to drive a golf cart responsibly can cause serious injuries to passengers. Likewise, responsive motor vehicle drivers pose a risk to everyone in a golf cart. When a driver in any of these vehicles fails in this responsibility, they must be held accountable.
We can review your case with you and set up a FREE personal consultation. If you’re uncomfortable discussing the details of our injury over the phone, you can request your consultation using the form below.