When Other Golf Cart Drivers Are Reckless

Although golf carts are generally regarded as safe vehicles because they don’t go very fast, this is a common misconception. When drivers are careless, golf carts can be quite dangerous. Collisions can cause serious injuries and death, even at slower speeds. Here are some ways drivers can be irresponsible behind the wheel of a golf cart and when you may be able to hold them responsible for their negligence.

Reckless Driving or Joyriding

Often, people will drive a golf cart recklessly, going too fast for the terrain or just joyriding around. When driving recklessly, it can be difficult to avoid a collision and when a collision does occur, it can be more serious than just a simple fender bender. Reckless driving can easily result in golf cart rollovers, which are often critical or fatal.

Inadequate Training or Experience Driving a Golf Cart

Although there’s no license required to operate a golf cart, if a young or very inexperienced driver operates a cart and causes an accident, they may be held responsible. Golf carts do require a certain amount of ability and know-how to operate safely, and it’s the responsibility of the driver to ensure that they are equipped to safely operate the cart when they get behind the wheel.

Driving a Golf Cart While Distracted

One of the biggest causes of golf cart accidents is driving while distracted. Perhaps a driver is operating their cart while eating or texting and is not paying enough attention to their surroundings to avoid a collision. A common reason drivers get distracted on a golf cart is when the cart is full of people talking amongst themselves and the driver has difficulty concentrating on operating the vehicle.

Driving a Golf Cart Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

It is illegal to drive a golf cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the same way it is to drive a car under the influence — however, many people still do it because they assume the law is different. If a golf cart driver has caused a collision because they were inebriated, they may be found automatically at fault and may be held responsible for damages.

Contact a Golf Cart Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one were injured by someone driving a golf cart carelessly, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Frank D. Butler, PA today by calling 800-253-2531.