As golfers, we know the importance of keeping score. The difference of a single stroke can change the outcome of a tournament, and a stroke penalty for an archaic rule can change an entire afternoon. But most golfers overlook a set of statistics right under their noses. Here’s the surprising truth: Golf cart accidents are pretty common on the course. With a maximum speed of 30 mph, this may not seem like a huge issue, but cart crashes cause more damage than anyone might expect.
Below, we discuss the surprising statistics tied to golf cart collisions, accidents, and crashes. These numbers were collected from various sources (each cited throughout). They’re also brand agnostic. It doesn’t matter if the golfers involved are using the best golf carts or off-brand knockoffs. Numbers are numbers, and the misuse of these vehicles leads to around 10,000 total accidents each year.
10 Interesting Golf Cart Accident Statistics
Cart accidents lead to about 15,000 injuries annually, with one-third of the victims being children and 10% of accidents are rollovers. There is much more to know about these figures, like why golf cart accidents are so common, what causes them, and how to use the cart safely to avoid incidents. Here are the stats that caught our attention.
15,000 Golf Cart Injuries Happen Each Year
A Consumer Products Safety Commission report found that roughly 15,000 injuries from golf carts happen yearly. This is more than before 2006, when a government study looked at the injuries over more than 15 years. That number might seem surprising, but we’ve seen estimates between 60 and 68 million total golfers on the planet. So maybe 15k isn’t so bad.
Nearly 150,000 Golf Cart Injuries Over 16 Years
There have been a staggering 147,696 injuries from golf cart accidents over 16 years in the United States, according to study by Watson, Mehan, Smith, and McKenzie. If we were to break that down, that’s an average of 9,231 per year, 769 per month, or 25 per day. These figures were recorded between 1990 – 2006. Note that this number differs from the safety commission’s report. Either we’re being more reckless with our golf carts or somebody’s figures are off.
About 1 in 10 Golf Cart Accidents Are Rollovers
Although a study wasn’t done, I found a lot of evidence to suggest that about 10% of golf cart accidents are rollovers. Most golf carts have brakes on the real axle, which makes the cart unstable. Rollovers commonly happen if you gain too much speed and lose control when going downhill. Consider that golf carts are commonly used around dawn and dusk, and one can see how a golfer might topple into an unexpected bunker with relative frequency.
Kids Make up One-Third of Victims
Out of those who suffer golf cart injuries, children account for almost one-third of all victims (31.2%), according to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine. That number includes small children and teenagers. In another study, the AAP found 6,500 children are injured by golf carts each year. That number might seem high, but consider the age of some golf cart drivers. Teenagers can use golf carts from age 14 in states like Florida, Arkansas, Colorado, and Idaho.
Kids Suffer Traumatic Brain Injuries at 3X The Rate of Adults
Kids involved in golf cart-related injuries suffered traumatic brain injuries (1.6 per 100,000) more than three times the rate of adults (0.5 per 100,000). Compared to older adults, children are still more likely to suffer brain injuries as the older generation faced 1.1 traumatic brain injuries per 100,000, according to data from National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. So while kids are much less likely to be impaired by alcohol while driving, they can still suffer worse results from golf cart injuries.
Older Adults Golf Cart Injuries Increased By Two-Thirds Since 2007
The overall injury rate among older adults increased two-thirds (67.6%) over a 10-year spell, according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System in the same study as above. In 2007, it was 4.8 injuries per 100,000; in 2017, it rose to 8.1. Note that this data doesn’t include post-pandemic figures. Numbers may well have risen even higher as the sport gained popularity over recent years.
Experienced Golfers Make Up 40% of Golf Cart Accidents
It is not just children that are involved in golf cart wrecks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, golfers who play often account for 40% of accidents. There are several factors that could account for this frequency of accidents among more experienced golfers. Weather, alcohol, and overloaded carts are common issues.
Golf Carts Are Easily Damaged During Collisions
Golf carts were crash tested by the European crash test agency, Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) and the results weren’t promising. If a golf cart is hit from the side, there was “little to no side protection,” so the dummy’s legs were crushed. If a golf cart hits an object in the front, the front end was fully smashed, pushing the steering wheel into the dummy’s upper body. Basically, if a cart gets hit anywhere it will lead to injuries.
70% of Injuries Occur at Sports Facilities
As we know, many golf cart injuries occur on the road, but perhaps surprisingly, 70% of injuries happen at recreational and sports facilities like golf courses. If anything, this number is surprisingly low. Only 7 out of 10 golf cart accidents happen at golf courses? That could be explained by the large number of golf carts used in housing developments by people who primarily use carts off the course.
Most Golf Cart Injuries Occur When Falling From The Cart
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, 38.3% of golf cart injuries happen because a golfer fell or jumped from the golf cart. Therefore, staying seated and holding on tight is the smarter move. This is especially true for those working at a golf course. While it can be tempting to lean off the side of a cart, it’s best to stay inside while it’s moving. That’s especially true if you’re driving off the course. Consider street-legal golf carts if you plan to take one on the road.
Why Are Golf Cart Accidents So Common?
You may be reading this and thinking that the chances of a golf cart accident near me are more common than you thought. There are some reasons why they are common, like bad weather, careless driving, driving under the influence, driving on tough terrain, and having too much weight on the cart.
Additionally, part of the reason accidents are common is the cart. Initially, it was only intended for use on a golf course, so it lacks the protection a car offers. Also, some carts lack a seatbelt and mirrors.
And there are several common golf cart injuries:
Head injuries
Arm and leg injuries
Brain damage
Sprains
Internal injuries
Cuts and wounds
Chest and back injuries
Soft tissue injuries
Golf Cart Safety Tips
These are motorized vehicles. While golf carts are indisputably effective for transportation, they’re also a potential danger to everyone on the course. Here are are some things you should consider as part of a golf cart safety checklist:
Wear a seatbelt if the cart has one
Don’t drive if you don’t have a license (if you need one for your state)
Don’t drive under the influence
Don’t overload the cart
Don’t off-road if the cart isn’t made for it
Drive with caution
Be careful in bad weather conditions
Look after your golf cart
Most of these belong to the category of golf etiquette, a subject we’re well versed in.
So, while golf carts are dangerous if used improperly, they’re safer than many other forms of transportation. Just be cautious when driving the cart and take safety measures, like wearing a seat belt, when out on the road to ensure your safety. The figure for golf cart deaths per year is unknown, although thousands get injured yearly.
If you’re still interested, consider the cost of a golf cart. That price doesn’t include insurance. And no, car insurance doesn’t usually cover golf cart accidents. Most policies don’t include golf carts. It is often recognized as different from car insurance due to its safety features and where it can be legally used.
Golf cart accidents happen more than we think; the statistics are shocking. But, now you are equipped with some information about why they occur and what you can do to ensure your safety. The bottom line is to be cautious. When they are out on the road, they are street-legal vehicles that require care. Golf carts are costly vehicles, but your life means more – so ensure you look after yourself and the cart. We wish you safe and happy driving in the cart!