Sharing the Road with Golf Carts

Author: Auger Law | June 26th, 2015

If you live near a major North Carolina suburb, you may find yourself sharing the city streets with golf carts. These four-wheeled vehicles are street-legal in many larger cities and even in some smaller towns. While it is always recommended that anyone operating a golf cart mind the rules of the road and remain vigilant, it is just as important that you drive your car appropriately.

Here are some tips for any vehicle driver who shares the road with golf carts.

Stay Back

Don’t forget that a golf cart cannot go as fast as your vehicle. Golf carts are typically only permitted on streets with speed limits of 35 mph and lower because of their inability to travel at higher speeds. Do not ride the tail end of a golf cart if you are in a hurry. There is nothing that you will do to make the cart go faster and you may just cause an accident.

Turn Down the Music

Golf carts can be more difficult to hear than typical vehicles. Your music should never be so loud that you can’t hear what is going on outside of your car. Keep the music turned down to a reasonable level, especially when you are driving through downtown.

Go Slow

It’s never a good idea to speed, but it is even more important to stick to the speed limit when you are driving next to and around golf carts. If you need to be somewhere and are in a hurry, leave a bit earlier so you do not feel as though you are in a rush.

Look Behind You

Don’t rely on your mirrors. Golf carts are small and can easily fit in your blind spot. Look over your shoulders when changing lanes or passing other cars. Look to the sides of your vehicle to make sure a golf cart isn’t riding next to you.

Use Your Signals

Be sure to signal to other drivers what you intend to do. Turning in front of another car can easily cause an accident if they didn’t know you were turning. Turning in front of a golf cart can result in serious injury or death. Use your signals as they were meant to be used.

If you have been injured in a golf cart accident, our attorneys are here to assist you. Contact our offices today for a free initial consultation. We are here to help you get your life back on track.