New Florida Law Aims to Enhance Golf Cart Safety for Teens and Children

Florida is taking a proactive approach to enhancing the safety of its roads and communities by implementing new requirements for golf cart drivers. Beginning October 1, a new state law will mandate that teens must possess a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit to operate a golf cart on public roads. This move has been welcomed by healthcare professionals, including doctors at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, who believe it will help improve golf cart safety and reduce the number of accidents involving children and teenagers.

The new legislation comes as a response to the increasing number of golf cart-related injuries among children and teens in recent years. Although golf carts are generally considered to be fun and relatively safe vehicles, the lack of regulation and oversight for younger drivers has contributed to a rise in accidents, some of which have resulted in significant injuries such as head traumas and fractures.

Under the current law, Floridians aged 14 and older can operate golf carts with minimal oversight. However, the new law will require drivers under the age of 18 to have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit to drive a golf cart on public roads or streets. Additionally, adult drivers will be required to carry some form of identification while operating a golf cart.

The change in legislation aims to address a gap in regulation that has contributed to the high number of injuries involving underage and inexperienced drivers. It is important to note that the law is not designed to cast doubt on the safety of golf carts, but rather to ensure that those operating them have the necessary skills and knowledge to do so safely. Golf carts remain a popular and convenient mode of transportation for many Floridians, and this law seeks to enhance their safe use by implementing sensible regulations.

Approximately half of the over 6,500 children injured in golf cart accidents each year in the United States are younger than 12, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The new law will help address this issue by ensuring that only individuals with a driver’s license or learner’s permit, and therefore a basic understanding of road safety and vehicle operation, can drive golf carts on public roads.

Parents are also encouraged to take additional precautions to ensure the safety of their children while riding in golf carts, such as using car seats for younger children and avoiding allowing children to sit on laps, which increases the risk of falling off.

Overall, the new law represents a positive step towards enhancing the safety of golf carts and reducing the number of accidents involving underage and inexperienced drivers. By implementing sensible regulations and encouraging responsible use, Florida aims to ensure that golf carts remain a safe and convenient mode of transportation for all.