Golf cart injuries are on the rise and many involve children, experts warn

Injuries involving golf carts are on the rise, warn doctors in Toronto, noting many incidents involve child passengers without seatbelts and drivers under the influence of alcohol.

Golf-cart-related injuries are on the rise, warn Toronto doctors, and many incidents involve drivers under the influence of alcohol, or children not wearing seatbelts.

In a commentary published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), health professionals from Unity Health Toronto found that injuries involving golf carts can be severe, and even fatal, urging governments to address this growing concern as a public health issue.

“This documented increase in frequency of injuries from golf cart use is concerning. Moreover, children, older adults, and people under the influence of alcohol — who are more vulnerable to injury — are frequent golf cart users,” Dr. Michael Cusimano, co-author and neurosurgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, said in a media release.

Golf carts are often exempt from government road safety regulations and typically lack essential restraints such as seat belts, lap bars and side doors, the authors argue. And regulations vary in provinces or territories.

Ontario and British Columbia, for example, have launched pilot studies to regulate golf carts on rural roads, with maximum speed limits, operation requiring a valid driver’s licence and prohibition of passengers younger than eight years old. These pilot projects also allow the use of golf carts on municipal roads in some jurisdictions.

Elsewhere, like Winnipeg and Saskatoon, a valid driver’s license is also needed to operate a golf cart but minors can still ride as passengers.

“Similar unambiguous regulations for golf cart users should be implemented across Canada. Insurance incentives and disincentives for companies and drivers with good or poor safety records should be introduced to encourage cities and companies that run golf courses to maintain safe practices and regular safety maintenance of vehicles,” the authors said.

Children are especially vulnerable when riding in golf carts, the report states.