• Parenting
  • Safety
  • Things to do

Golf carts, ATVs can be more dangerous than you think

Posted
Golf cart on park trail

In sprawling South Florida communities, it's not uncommon to see tweens and teens zipping around in golf carts. It's a quick, easy way to get around; it's fuel-efficient; and it relieves parents of some driving duties.

But golf carts and similar vehicles can pose particular risk to kids.

More than 13,000 people a year suffer golf cart-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Safety Protection Commission. An estimated 40 percent of those are children younger than 16.

In Florida, golf carts can't be operated on state roads, but cities and counties can choose to allow them on designated streets. No one younger than 14 is allowed to drive a golf cart under state law. It's generally recommended that children younger than 6 should not be allowed on a cart, and drivers shouldn't go faster than 15 mph.

When it comes to ATVs, an estimated 29,000 children younger than 16 are rushed to emergency rooms nationwide every year with injuries related to the vehicles.

TIPS FROM ATV SAFETY INSTITUTE:

  • All riders younger than 16 must wear helmets and be supervised.
  • Ride an ATV that’s a right fit. Never allow a passenger on a single-rider ATV.
  • Ride on designated trails at safe speeds. Never ride on roads unless to cross them.
  • Wear a helmet, goggles, gloves, long sleeves and long pants.
  • Never drink and drive.
SOURCES:

Safe Kids Worldwide
U.S. Consumer Safety Protection Commission
ATV Safety Institute

You May Also Like

    • Health
    • Parenting
    • Things to do

    BLOG: From archery to BMX, brave some adventure at county parks

    Does your family want to mix things up a little excitement? Check out these exciting activities at our local parks, such as archery, horseback riding, BMX and radio-controlled hobb …

    Read More
    • Health
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Check out these gnarly skateboarding tips!

    More than 82,000 people are treated in emergency rooms annually for skateboard-related injuries. Here are tips to help prevent a trip to the hospital. …

    Read More
    • Health
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Tell kids to use their heads — wear a helmet

    Bicycle helmets can reduce the chances of head injury by 85 percent and severe brain injury by 88 percent. See more expert tips here to prevent a bike accident. …

    Read More

Related resources

    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Safe Kids Palm Beach County

    Local child safety information and assistance, including car seat installation, helmet fitting, poisoning prevention, TV tip-over prevention and more

    561-841-3500 Website
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Safe Kids Worldwide

    National resources to protect children from preventable injuries

    202-662-0600 Website
    • Safety

    Safety Council of Palm Beach County

    Non-governmental, nonprofit organization offering local safety programs, services and education materials to reduce health hazards and prevent injury for both personal and economic loss, including information for teen drivers and child safety

    561-845-8233 Website