Golf Carts Pose Serious Safety Risk to Children  

When you think about who the typical passenger of a golf cart is likely to be, you probably picture an older man or woman, dressed in golf attire, heading out to enjoy a few rounds on the links. However, these vehicles are becoming more popular, and not just for retirees or avid golfers.

According to a new study, a growing number of children have been seriously injured while riding golf carts. Researchers presented their article, “Golf Carts and Children: An 11-Year Single State Experience” at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2017 National Conference & Exhibition in Chicago.

Highlights from the Study

Researchers focused on the 108 patients under the age of 18 who were treated at Pennsylvania’s state trauma centers, between January 2004 and December 2014, for injuries sustained while riding a golf cart. The average age of the children injured was 11. Some of these patients spent up to 26 days in the hospital.

Based on the data collected, researchers also found the following:

• One patient suffered fatal injuries.
• Thirty-six percent of the patients required admission into the intensive care unit (ICU).
• Seventy-six percent of the children suffered from at least one broken bone.
• Skull fractures occurred more often than fractures to the extremities.
• Twenty-seven percent of the children suffered concussions, and up to 30 percent had intracranial bleeding.

People may think that golf carts are not dangerous, because they do not reach very high speeds. However, according to one of the study authors, that lack of awareness is part of the reason why children are being injured on these vehicles.

Safety Recommendations

Because people are not aware of the safety risks, they do not wear helmets, nor do they encourage their children to wear them when they are going for a ride in a golf cart. Many of the skull fractures and concussions could have been prevented if the children were wearing helmets at the time of the accident.

Another senior author of the study recommended that no children under the age of 16 should drive golf carts, at any time. When golf carts are being used, whether on the golf course or not, the driver should not go faster than 10 miles per hour. That way, if the driver has to make a sudden turn, or quick stop, the cart is less likely to flip, and the passengers are more likely to remain safe and unharmed.

The driver should also pay attention to their surroundings and avoid distractions while operating a golf cart.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Golf Cart Accidents

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a golf cart, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. While these may not seem like serious accidents, they can result in severe, even fatal injuries. Our dedicated and compassionate team will protect your rights, and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.