Parker Waichman LLP

Golf Carts Not the Safest Mode of Transportation

  Golf Carts Related Accidents Increasing. Many Americans—especially teens and adolescents who are not able to drive—are finding that the use of golf carts as an alternative means of transportation is convenient and cost effective. But, the increase in use is also pointing to an increase in the number of golf cart related injuries, say researchers […]

golf carts

 

Golf Carts Related Accidents Increasing. Many Americans—especially teens and adolescents who are not able to drive—are finding that the use of golf carts as an alternative means of transportation is convenient and cost effective. But, the increase in use is also pointing to an increase in the number of golf cart related injuries, say researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Center for Injury Sciences.

“Golf carts are becoming a popular way to get around in some neighborhoods, particularly for adolescents and teenagers who cannot yet drive a car. A lot of people perceive golf carts as little more than toys, but our findings suggest they can be quite dangerous, especially when used on public roads,” Gerald McGwin, associate director of the Center for Injury Sciences and a professor of epidemiology, said.  McGwin and colleagues reported that there were over 48,255 golf cart-related injuries between 2002-2005, with the highest injury rates were among males ages 10 to 19 and males over age 80; fractures and head traumas were among the most common injuries.  The study was published in June’s The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection and Critical Care.

Some Use Golf Carts As Means Of Transportation

“Some communities encourage golf cart use as a primary means of transportation because of their low emissions, quiet operation, and presumed safety. There is little federal regulation, and most states do not require operators to be of a certain age, use any sort of safety equipment, or obtain an operator’s license,” McGwin said. McGwin says safety standards are needed and manufacturers should be required to provide safety education materials to consumers; helmets and seat belts should be used, particularly when driven on public roads; and when designing golf cart paths, developers need to address gradient, sharpness of curves, and proximity to other hazards. “More stringent safety standards should be applied to the design and use of golf carts, particularly those operated on public roads,” McGwin said.

Meanwhile, late last week E-Z-GO, in collaboration with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), issued a recall for about 16,500 of its electric- and gas-powered Fleet RXV, Freedom RXV, and RXV Shuttle 2+2 golf cars. The carts were manufactured in the US by E-Z-GO, of Augusta, Georgia, a Textron Company, and were recalled as the carts’ hip restraints can detach at the base, posing a fall and injury risk. E-Z-GO received 20 reports of hip restraints breaking, including nine reports of broken bones and abrasions from falls.

Model names and the E-Z-GO logo are printed on the sides and front panel of all three vehicles. Serial numbers range from 9300001-9300188 and 5000000-5021328 and are printed on a plate attached to the steering column and the front and rear frames. Carts were sold by E-Z-GO and independent golf car dealers nationwide from January-June 2008 and retailed for between $7,000 and $9,000. Consumers should contact the nearest E-Z-GO dealer to arrange for a free repair; E-Z-GO and E-Z-GO dealers are contacting known owners. For additional information, consumers can contact E-Z-GO at 800-774-3946 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Website at www.ezgo.com.

Need Legal Help Regarding Golf Carts?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I must have called my attorney Alex Tovstolug and his paralegal Katherine Snedecor over 70 times since my case arrived in Parker Waichman's litigation dept. Honestly, I don't remember one time where my call wasn't taken or returned the same day. With every encounter, the staff and attorneys at Parker Waichman treated me with respect, understanding and, above all, patience. Alex and Katherine always made me feel as if my case was their top priority, and that they were only concerned with getting the best outcome FOR ME. In the end, we did get the best outcome and I was privileged to see Alex at trial and at his finest! I can't thank you guys enough for taking my case, for working so hard on my case; and for always putting me first.
Sonia Demitre
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am so grateful to Julie Trinidad and Maryann who have been amazing every step of the way. They are quick to respond, kept me updated throughout this process and eased my mind by answering all my questions. Thank you again for all your hard work and support.
Allyson Paige
2 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value Gina Vita is a very courteous, kind, informative and helpful. An asset to your organization
Steven Donohue
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038