Are Golf Carts Dangerous for Kids?

Apr 26,2018

Most people probably don’t associate golf carts with danger. After all, they do not travel very fast, and are usually only driven on golf courses. However, research shows that golf carts are actually a significant safety threat, especially to children.

A new study by Vanderbilt University studied golf-cart related injuries in patients under the age of 18 from 2008 and 2016. The study showed that the university’s pediatric trauma center treated 40 children with injuries related to golf carts during that time frame. Eighty-five percent of those treated were between ages 5 and 14. About 25% of the children treated had to spend time in the intensive care unit, and the most common cause of injury was being thrown off the golf cart. Only one child who was injured was wearing a seat belt.

Another study conducted by Dr. Jason Fraser of Children’s Mercy Kansas City looked at more than 500 injuries caused by ATVs, dirt bikes, golf carts, go-karts and dune buggies. Of children who were injured by these vehicles, 78% were hospitalized and nearly 25% had injuries to their brain, neck or spine.

These studies are showing that not only are golf carts a potential cause of injury for children, but also that the injuries sustained can be very serious.

“Parents need to be aware of the dangers of golf carts for children. They should be treated like vehicles, not toys,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.