Golf Cart Safety Blog

2012-2013 Golf Cart Related Fatalities And Serious Injuries In The Villages THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST TWELVE GOLF CART RELATED FATALITIES in The Villages in the last SIX YEARS. The POA has made an effort to identify golf cart related accidents in The Villages which have resulted in death or serious injuries. Neither the Florida Highway Patrol nor local law enforcement departments keep statistics on golf cart related crashes. Therefore, the POA is trying to make residents aware of the potential dangers that can face both golf cart drivers and passengers, be they on the golf cart trails or the roadways shared with automobiles and trucks. Each month, starting with the February 2012 Bulletin (you can find all of them on the poa4us.org web page - click on "archived bulletins), we have included a listing of all of the accidents (with as much description as we had available) that we were aware of, and identified that almost all of them involved either someone falling out of a cart, or being ejected from the cart onto the pavement. OUR MESSAGE IS THAT WE BELIEVE YOU MIGHT BE SAFER IF YOU USE A SEAT BELT, but the usage of seat belts in golf carts is not required by Florida Statutes so it is your choice. In the last two years we have had: Two known FATALITIES, both of whom were golf cart passengers who fell out of or off of a moving golf cart; Twenty-two golf cart occupants who were EJECTED FROM their golf cart that had to be etrauma alertedf to Shands, Orlando Regional or Ocala Regional Trauma Centers because of the severity of their injuries. (We have no knowledge as to whether any of these life threatening injuries resulted in an eventual fatality); One golf cart occupant who fell out of the golf cart that had to be etrauma alertedf to Ocala; Twenty golf cart occupants who were EJECTED FROM their golf cart who had injuries serious enough that they were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital; Twenty-three golf cart occupants who fell out of a golf cart who had injuries serious enough that they were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital; NONE OF THEM WERE WEARING A SEAT BELT! One golf cart occupant who was using a seat belt advised us gcMy left leg was pinned between the road and the golf cart causing compound fractures and abrasions to my lower left leg. I was transported to LMC for treatment and surgery. I am of the opinion that had I not been wearing a seat-belt, it is likely I would not have survived the crash.h The POA has taken on the challenge of collecting information on golf cart incidents in The Villages and we are working with law enforcement, but we also need your help. We are asking any resident who is involved in or actually comes upon the scene of a golf cart crash (no second hand reports, please) where there appears to be ejections, injuries or fatalities to email us (poa4us@hotmail.com) or send us at POA ATTN Golf Carts, P.O. Box 386, Oxford, FL 34484, the following information: the date, approximate time and location of the golf cart crash or ejection, i.e., street address, trail location, or intersection. We can then contact the appropriate law enforcement office and get a report. It is our intention to continue to provide monthly reports in the Bulletin as well as to retain a data base that would be put on our website. Thank you in advance for assisting us in this project. STAY ALERT!!!---STAY ALIVE!!!  

Golf Cart Crashes Recent reports (ONLY THOSE THAT INVOLVED EJECTION, FALLING OUT OF THE GOLF CART, AND/OR INJU-RIES are provided) that we have received from Village residents, Public Safety, and area law enforcement. (Note: we cannot guarantee that the information we receive is com-pletely accurate about all the details.) Monday, October 21st ¨C 11:40 AM ¨C A golf cart operator eastbound on Pinellas Place made a left turn into Bonifay Country Club tipping the cart towards the passenger side. The responding officer stated there were approximately 50 feet of ¡°yaw marks¡± or side tire marks left by the passenger side tires while the driver side tires were not in contact with the roadway, eventually tipping the cart over on its side. The driver was cited for the accident. Both occupants were transported to The Villages Hospital for further treatment. Monday, October 29th ¨C Mid Afternoon ¨C A golf cart operator swerved to avoid con-tact with an oncoming car at the intersection of Tamarind Grove Run and St. Charles Place. This action caused her to fall out of the cart onto the concrete. She injured her head and upper body and was transported ambulance to the Ocala Regional Medical Center. Sunday, November 3rd ¨C 3:00 AM ¨C A 52 year old Village resident was found dead at the Saddlebrook Softball Complex. He was found lying across the floorboard of a golf cart. The golf cart had collided with a fence at the complex. Initial reports advised that the cause of death was under investigation as there were no apparent fatal injuries. On November 4th, the Florida Highway Patrol re-leased the autopsy results which concluded that the resident died as a result of a golf cart accident. The traffic homicide investigation by the FHP continues. Thursday, November 7th ¨C 7:30 AM ¨C A golf cart operator on Buena Vista, off of El Camino Real, said she was distracted by a ¡°candy wrapper¡±. She lost control of the golf cart and struck a tree. She was EJECTED from the cart and landed face first on the cart path with chest injuries and others as well. She was trauma alerted by ambulance to Ocala Regional Hospital. Thursday, November 7th ¨C 6:30 pm ¨C A hit and run crash occurred on Jason Drive in Lady Lake. The golf cart driver said his cart was hit by a truck. He was EJECTED onto the pavement and received major fractures and abrasions. He was trauma evacuated by helicopter to Ocala Regional Medical Center. Saturday, November 9th ¨C 6:45 PM ¨C A golf cart operator struck a concrete barrier at the intersection of Charlotte Court and Greenwich Place, just north of Hillsborough Trail in the Village of Charlotte. Golf cart driver was EJECTED, landing head first on the concrete and had head and facial trauma, as well as, other injuries. She was transported by ambulance under a trauma alert to Ocala Regional Trauma Center. USE OF SEAT BELTS MAY KEEP YOU IN YOUR CART! ¡õ

Golf Cart Crashes in The Villages, FL - November 2012 Reprinted with permission from the Property Owners Association of The Villages monthly Bulletin: Recent reports (ONLY THOSE THAT INVOLVED EJECTION, FALLING OUT OF THE GOLF CART, AND/OR INJURIES are provided) that we have received from Village residents, Public Safety, and area law enforcement. (Note: we cannot guarantee that the information we receive is completely accurate about all the details.) October 3, 2012 ¨C 8:20 pm - A golf cart was east bound on Morse Boulevard. The driver missed the golf cart path and turned late, hitting the gate arm and housing. When the golf cart jumped over the curb, it caused the driver to fall out of the vehicle and she hit her head. She was bleeding from her face and had abrasions on her legs. There was minor damage to the vehicle and some dam-age to the housing and gate arm. The driver of the vehicle was transported to the Villages Hospital for further medical treatment and she was cited for the crash. Friday, October 12th ¨C At approximately 11:20am there was a golf cart crash in the area of Buena Vista Boulevard and Stillwater Trail. Law enforcement determined that the golf cart hit a curb with the passenger side rear tire, causing the golf cart to start weaving and resulting in the driver being thrown from the golf cart. The 77 year old female driver had several areas that had abrasions due to being thrown from the cart. She was transported to the Villages Hospital for further treatment. She stated she was driving southbound on the golf cart path eating some popcorn when her tire hit the curb. She said she was unable to stay in the cart due to its weaving. The POA is pleased to announce that we have met with law enforcement representatives from the Sumter County Sheriff¡¯s Office regarding the increasing number of fatalities and serious injuries which involve either ejections and/or people falling out of golf carts. It is our desire for area law enforcement representatives to help make residents aware of these circumstances and advise them that, while use of a seat belt is not a State law for golf carts, residents might want to consider using one if driving on the public roads. Lt. Nehemiah Wolfe advised the POA that this concern is something that is being dis-cussed and it is an ongoing matter. He pro-vided the POA with the following statement: ¡°The Sumter County Sheriff¡¯s Office official position on the subject of seat belts in golf carts is supported by Florida State Statute 316.212 and the National Golf International Light Transportation Vehicle Association, Inc. (ANSI Z130.1) This states that seat belts are not required on golf carts. However, because of the recent efforts made in tracking golf cart crash reports, twelve reported deaths from golf cart ejections was discovered. Therefore, area Law Enforcement has agreed to inform the public of these findings. Please reference the web links below: Golf Cart Standard https://iltva.org/standards/ Street Legal Vehicle Standard http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/rulings/lsv/lsv.html 316.212 Florida State Statute¡±. ¡õ

Recent reports (ONLY THOSE THAT INVOLVED EJECTION, FALLING OUT OF THE GOLF CART, AND/OR INJU-RIES are provided) that we have received from Village residents, Public Safety, and area law enforcement. (Note: we cannot guarantee that the information we receive is completely accurate about all the details.) USE OF SEAT BELTS WILL KEEP YOU IN YOUR CART! Saturday, August 3rd - 2:45 p.m. - Location: Morse Blvd & Stillwater Trail Gate Myself & wife had just finished golf and we were on our way home in our golf cart. Approaching the crossing of Stillwater Trail, I looked to my left (East) for traffic - there was none. Then looking straight ahead to "Residents Car Lane", "it" was also clear. Due to the guard house and a very large and wide tree you are unable to see the "Visitors Car Lane", as the guard house is approximately 50 ft. before the gate, with the tall tree interfering with your sight of the lane (additionally, the driver in the car can't see me until we meet). Applying brakes and turning (left) at the same time, we collided. My wife was ejected from the cart. It's a miracle she wasn't seriously hurt. As the Police and the EMS appeared simultaneously, I was in the midst of calling The Village Kart Aide to pick-up my cart and haul it to my home. Next dilemma, how was I going to get home, get my car and go to the hospital? Thankfully, the driver involved kindly said " I'll drive you home". Bob Cheney Monday, August 5th - 7:54 a.m. - The driver of a 2012 red Yamaha golf cart was westbound on Canal Street and had just crossed the intersection of Odell Circle when he realized there was a golf cart in front of him making a left turn. He tried to come to a sudden stop resulting in over correcting the steering wheel. The golf cart was over-turned damaging the right side. The cart had scrapes on the right side of the body and the right side of the roof. The driver was treated by EMS for a head injury. He was transported to the Villages Regional Hospital. The driver stated that he did not strike any other vehicle and that a person had helped him when his vehicle rolled on its side. The vehicle was disabled and was towed from the site. Monday, August 5th - 12:08 p.m. - The driver of a 2012 Chevy Volt stated she was southbound on North Morse Boulevard and approaching San Marino Drive. She advised that she was turning right on San Marino Drive and did not see the 2009 Club Car. The driver of the Volt acknowledged that she collided with the golf cart, causing minor damage to the front passenger side bumper of her car. The driver of the golf cart was southbound on North Morse Boulevard in the golf cart lane. The Volt struck the driverfs side of her golf cart, causing the golf cart to tip over on its side. The golf cart sustained damage to the passenger side door and front quarter panel. No injuries were reported and the driver of the Volt was cited for careless driving. Friday, August 9th - 3:45 p.m. - A 1999 Mustang was traveling east on Odell Circle approaching the intersection of Canal Street. A 2009 Star LSV was traveling north on Canal Street through the intersection with a green traffic signal. As the LSV entered the intersection the driver of the Mustang ran a red light (A witness confirmed this action). The driver of the LSV took evasive action (steering east) and the left rear side of the LSV struck the right rear side of the Mustang which caused the LSV to tip over and it landed on the driverfs leg. The driver received minor scrapes and abrasions and was tended to by EMS, but refused transport to a hospital. The driver of the Mustang was cited for disobeying a traffic signal.  

Golf Cart Crashes With Injuries Recent reports (ONLY THOSE THAT INVOLVED EJECTION, FALLING OUT OF THE GOLF CART, AND/OR INJU-RIES are provided) that we have received from Village residents, Public Safety, and area law enforcement. (Note: we cannot guarantee that the information we receive is completely accurate about all the details.) USE OF SEAT BELTS WILL KEEP YOU IN YOUR CART! Friday, March 22nd ¨C 9:40am: A 2006 Toyota was traveling eastbound on Bandaros Avenue approaching the stop sign at Banderos and Bella Cruz Drive. A 2010 EZGO golf cart was traveling northbound on Bella Cruz, approaching the same intersection. It should be noted that the stop sign at the above intersection was a 2-way sign which governs traffic on Bandaros only. As the golf cart was approaching the intersection the Toyota pulled out directly in its path. The Toyota intended to cross over Bella Cruz to continue to HWY 441. During impact the driver of the golf cart collided with the steering wheel causing injury to his person. He was transported to the Villages Hospital for medical treatment. The investigation revealed that the driver of the Toyota violated the right-of-way of the golf cart, which resulted in the collision, and the driver of the Toyota was cited for the Violation of Right-of-Way at an intersection. Friday, March 22nd ¨C 10:55am: The driver of a 2013 Chrysler was backing out of her driveway while a 2008 GEM car was traveling northwest of Saffron Lane approaching the area where the vehicle was backing from. The driver of the Chrysler failed to observe the approaching GEM and struck the GEM as it passed by her driveway. The GEM sustained damage to the passenger¡¯s side from the wheel well to the passenger¡¯s rear side. The driver of the GEM stated that her dog had been riding with her in the passenger¡¯s seat and was ejected from the vehicle during the collision. The driver of the GEM stated she was going to have her dog examined by a local veterinarian. The driver of the Chrysler received a citation for improper backing. Friday, March 29th ¨C 10:30am: A female was driving her golf cart on West Boone Court when a car stopped short in front of her. She slammed on the brakes and yanked the steering wheel, tipping over the cart as she fell out. The driver suffered back pain and pain to her legs from battery acid. She was transported to the Villages Hospital for evaluation/treatment. Wednesday, April 3rd ¨C 8:25am: A golf cart was traveling east bound on Belvedere Blvd. and made a right turn onto Castleberry Cir. The driver attempted to make a U-turn on Castleberry to go back west bound on Belvedere. As the driver attempted to make the U-turn the golf cart accelerated up over a concrete cub and crashed into a stop sign post, breaking it in half with the front bumper. The driver stated she remembered she had something else she needed to do and turned into Castleberry to do a U-turn. The 88 year old female driver was issued a citation and transported to The Villages Hospital. Friday, April 5th ¨C 3:30pm: A golf cart was traveling eastbound on Churchill Downs near the intersection of Livingston Loop when the right tire of the cart struck the curb. After striking the curb, the driver fell out of the cart and the cart traveled onto the grass then back onto the roadway ejecting the passenger onto the roadway. Both the driver and the passenger were transported to Leesburg Regional Medical Center. Friday, April 12th ¨C 5:30pm: A golf cart (2012 Star EV 4-seater) was south bound on Odell Circle travelling downhill in the golf cart lane. The driver stated that a gust of wind caused him to start swaying to the point he crashed. The officer stated that upon inspection of the vehicle it was noticed that the suspension was loose and the vehicle was in high range and that it appears that something caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle when it started swaying from side to side until it flipped on the driver side and slid to a rest in the middle of Odell Circle. Two occupants were transported to Ocala Regional Hospital for treatment. ¡õ