Summertime in Beau Chene means children out of school and more activity happening around the sub-division. A common activity during this time of year is more golf carts being driven by children. Driving golf carts on our roadways present many risks that the owners of golf carts need to be aware of.
According to a report from Reuters Health, new research has confirmed previous studies that golf cart crashes involving children can result in serious injuries and are usually the result of not enforcing safety rules or age restrictions. (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-kids-golf-safety/children-risk-serious-injuries-on-golf-carts-idUSKBN1GW2CO)
Researchers found that children as young as nine years old were driving golf carts, often not wearing seat belts, and faced the risk of the cart overturning. The study co-author observed, that non-automobile vehicles – like ATVs, go-karts, golf carts and others – “are often viewed as harmless or safe by parents and communities. This is especially true for golf carts, which tend to be slower.”
Parents, please think about the above information before letting your child drive a cart. If your child drives, is he/she driving responsibly and not overloading the cart with riders? Every parent and every child needs to understand that golf carts can be dangerous.
Please obey the traffic laws and use your common sense. Let’s all have a safe community, particularly for our children.
Regards,
Cristina Donovan
Chief Administrative Officer