The Fundamentals of Golf Cart & Community Path Safety

Golf cart safety in The Landings is a high priority, and it seems that we are continually talking about it. In fact, I looked through our archives and found articles dating back several years that discuss the issue. Now I find myself pondering how I can address this same issue that we have been discussing for years without boring you to tears. What can I say that will be any different from what other people have said in the past?

I recently received an email from a concerned resident because he had witnessed the perfect example of a golf cart driver who yielded to bicyclists, pedestrians, and other carts. He stated that the driver actually slowed down and pulled his cart partially off the path to allow others to safely pass. At this point, you probably are asking yourself why this resident was concerned enough to share this story with me. He was concerned because he was so surprised to witness this golf cart driver being courteous and safety conscious. Let me say that again…he was surprised because the golf cart driver did exactly what he is supposed to do! All too often we witness golf carts blowing past bicyclists, pedestrians, and other carts without a care in the world. Not only do we witness golf carts not yielding the right-of-way, but also we see children driving, parents/grandparents holding children in their laps, drivers failing to stop at stop signs, and so much more. It is important to note that most people are courteous and careful with their carts, but the small majority have a huge impact on all of us.

Just like professional athletes must train to master the basics of their chosen profession, we have to “train” on the basics of golf cart safety. Following are some general guidelines that should serve you well regardless of your locale.

• Share the “roadway” - Most of the trails in the community are common trails, meaning they are designated for use by pedestrians, cyclists, and golf carts. Pedestrians and cyclists always have the rights-of-way on common trails, so when you are driving your cart, maintain a safe speed with the anticipation that you may need to stop. The act of yielding is not simply avoiding a collision with the other party. Consider how you yield when driving around one of Savannah’s beautiful squares and use that same caution when driving your golf cart.
• Keep to designated paths and roadways - In most areas where golf carts are allowed, there are designated paths and marked lanes for them to travel. There also are several “cart-free zones” where you are not allowed to operate a golf cart. Please refer to page 27 of the 2023 Landings Residential Directory for these designated zones.
• Maintain a safe driving speed - Like regular vehicles, golf carts have a maximum speed. However, this does not mean you should have “the pedal to the metal” at all times. Reduce your speed when driving during inclement weather, when making sharp turns, or anytime your line-of-sight is reduced. Although 15 mph may not seem very fast while you are driving, consider how it feels to the pedestrian you are passing who is walking at 3 mph.

So, what can we do to encourage more stories like the one shared with me? For starters, let’s all hold ourselves accountable for our actions. If you would not do something when driving your regular vehicle, why should you do it when driving a golf cart? I look forward to the day that a resident tells me they were surprised to see someone not yielding to pedestrians, cyclists, and other golf carts instead of the other way around. Don’t you?