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Golf carts can provide a convenient way to get around in Fort Myers. People use them to be social and sightsee in neighborhoods, to carry gear to and from the beach, and as a means for making trips to local stores. Unfortunately, with so many residents and tourists alike relying on the vehicles, golf cart accidents in Florida are a common occurrence. These can leave you suffering serious personal injuries. The following safety tips can help you avoid these types of accidents.
Golf Cart Accidents and Your Obligations as a Driver
In general, you do not need to have a driver’s license to operate a golf cart in Florida nor are you required to have any special training. Under Section 320.105 of the Florida Statutes, golf carts are exempt from motor vehicle laws that require licensing or vehicle registration. Similarly, you also do not need insurance to cover you in the event of golf cart accidents and injuries. At the same time, golf cart drivers can be held personally liable when they occur.
The lack of regulation surrounding golf carts has created plenty of controversy in Florida and in other states where they are a popular form of travel among residents. Despite the lack of laws regarding their use, golf cart drivers have an obligation to protect the safety of themselves, their passengers, and others on the road. This includes:
- Refraining from using a golf cart to travel on local roads or highways;
- Reading the golf cart manual to better understand how it operates;
- Driving at reasonable speeds on trails and in neighborhoods;
- Not allowing children to operate a golf cart on their own or without an adult present;
- Making sure the golf cart is not overloaded with passengers;
- Not driving a golf cart while under the influence or in any type of reckless manner.
Failing to follow these types of suggested guidelines can cause you to be held responsible for injuries that occur as a result of golf cart accidents.
Preventing Golf Cart Accidents
In addition to being aware of your obligations as a golf cart driver, it is important to know some simple safety tips which can help prevent golf cart accidents and injuries. State Farm Insurance recommends the following:
- Make sure you and your passengers keep arms, hands, legs, and feet in the golf cart at all times;
- Use seat belts, if available;
- Slow down and yield to pedestrians you encounter;
- Pay attention and avoid texting and driving;
- Teach young people that golf carts are not toys and that they have responsibilities as drivers;
- Make sure everyone remains seated at all times;
- Be aware that sudden stops or other movements can cause you to lose control of the golf cart and can result in passengers falling off.
Get Legal Guidance From Our Fort Myers Golf Cart Accident Attorney
When injuries happen due to golf cart accidents, the Bernardo Law Firm provides the legal guidance you need in filing a claim. To request a consultation, call or contact our Fort Myers golf cart accident attorney online today.