Child Safety Tips for Golf Carts

Did you know that a golf cart is considered a vehicle, and you should observe the same rules for keeping your babies and children safe in golf carts that you do when operating any other vehicle? Babies and toddlers are particularly vulnerable in golf carts because there are no adequate safety harnesses equipped for children under the age of six. Babies always should be belted into a rear-facing car seat, ideally using anchors built into the vehicle’s frame for this purpose. These anchors don’t exist in most golf carts, making it virtually impossible to properly belt in baby car seats at all, let alone to allow them to face the rear.

This leaves most people simply holding babies they wish to ride in the golf cart. They assume that the cart goes slow enough that they’ll be able to maintain their hold on the child in the event of any minor issues. Unfortunately, even a small bump can jolt the cart, causing the baby to be thrown from the person’s arms. If the cart is involved in an accident, a baby is completely unprotected from the force of the collision.

Golf Cart Safety Tips

To ensure the safety of children riding in a golf cart, follow these simple tips:

• Safety experts maintain the safest option is never to allow a baby or child under the age of six to ride in your golf cart. However, if you do opt to bring them along, secure babies and toddlers in a car seat and children four to six in a booster seat.
• Do not allow unlicensed drivers under the age of 16, or those who are untrained, to operate the cart.
• Make sure your golf cart is equipped with safety belts and all-wheel brakes.
• Read The Landings Association’s Rules and Regulations on Golf Carts (Section G). Be especially mindful of Rule G.9 which states, “Golf Cart capacity limits must be observed. Seating capacity shall not exceed six people, and all passengers must be seated. No person or animal may sit in the driver’s lap while the cart is in motion. Standing or hanging on to the Golf Cart while in motion is prohibited.”