Source: GlobalNews.ca
Golf carts, once primarily used for traversing golf courses, have become increasingly common on roads, in neighborhoods, and on private properties. However, as their use expands, so do the risks associated with them. Recent findings from Unity Health Toronto have brought to light a worrying trend: golf-cart-related injuries are on the rise, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and those under the influence of alcohol. This commentary, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), emphasizes the growing need for stricter regulations and increased awareness surrounding golf cart safety.
The Growing Safety Concern
According to Dr. Michael Cusimano, neurosurgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and co-author of the commentary, “the documented increase in frequency of injuries from golf cart use is concerning. Moreover, children, older adults, and people under the influence of alcohol—who are more vulnerable to injury—are frequent golf cart users” (Unity Health Toronto). The absence of critical safety features, such as seatbelts, lap bars, and side doors, is a significant factor contributing to these injuries.
Governments and regulatory bodies have been slow to address these issues. For instance, while some provinces in Canada, such as Ontario and British Columbia, have introduced pilot projects to regulate golf cart use on rural roads, the regulations vary by region. Meanwhile, cities like Winnipeg and Saskatoon require a valid driver’s license to operate a golf cart, but minors are still allowed to ride as passengers—highlighting inconsistencies in safety practices across the country.
Children and Golf Cart Injuries
Children are particularly vulnerable when riding in golf carts. A 2021 study published in Pediatrics found that golf-cart-related injuries in children and adolescents in the United States have steadily increased in recent years. Alarmingly, more than half of these injuries involved children aged 12 and younger, with the total number of cases rising from 5,490 in 2010 to over 6,500 annually by 2019.
The most common injuries reported were superficial wounds and fractures, often affecting the head and neck. These incidents frequently occur at school and sporting events, where children may be given access to golf carts without proper safety precautions.
In a tragic incident in 2022, a four-year-old boy in Peterborough, Ontario, died from a traumatic brain injury after the golf cart he was riding in rolled over. The other five occupants were ejected, all sustaining serious injuries. This case highlights the dangers of allowing young children to ride in or drive golf carts without the necessary safety measures in place.
The Role of Alcohol and Lack of Seatbelts
Another major contributor to golf-cart-related injuries is alcohol consumption. Many golf courses and recreational facilities serve alcohol, increasing the likelihood of impaired driving. A 2011 study published in Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery found that alcohol was detected in 59% of people over the age of 16 involved in golf-cart-related injuries, with the average blood alcohol concentration being more than twice the legal limit in many jurisdictions.
Children were often involved in these incidents, with an average age of 9.2 years. The study found that 69% of the time, children were passengers in the cart, often with no safety restraints.
Most modern golf carts lack basic safety features like seatbelts with the exception of LSVs (Low Speed Vehicles), which makes ejection from the vehicle a common occurrence. A 2018 study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that ejection from the cart (52%) and the vehicle overturning (20%) were the most common causes of golf cart-related injuries. Shockingly, out of all the incidents reviewed, only one child was found to be wearing a seatbelt.
What Can Be Done to Improve Golf Cart Safety?
The rising number of golf-cart-related injuries has prompted calls for increased safety regulations and awareness. Unity Health Toronto has urged governments and manufacturers to introduce new safety standards for golf carts, including higher hip restraints, seatbelts, and improved braking systems.
Physicians are also being encouraged to advocate for change. “Since the frequency of injuries related to golf cart use is increasing, and many of these injuries could be prevented, physicians should advocate for immediate changes to reduce the severity and frequency of golf-cart–related injuries,” the authors from Unity Health Toronto suggest.
Golf courses, private properties, and recreational facilities can play a role by updating their policies to enforce stricter safety measures. Ensuring that carts are properly maintained, and educating users on the importance of safe driving practices, will go a long way in reducing the risk of injury.
Golf carts offer a fun and convenient mode of transportation, but with the rise in related injuries, it’s clear that safety must become a higher priority. From enforcing the use of seatbelts to ensuring drivers are not under the influence, there are several steps that can be taken to minimize the risks. As the popularity of golf carts continues to grow, governments, regulatory bodies, and manufacturers must work together to introduce and enforce new safety measures to protect all users, especially vulnerable populations like children.