Staying Safe On Your Golf Cart

Golf carts may not strike you as the most hazardous vehicles, but they do come with their own unique risks that you should take seriously. We here at Richmond Equipment want to make sure you stay safe, so we’ve put together some golf cart safety tips. To learn more, or to see the golf carts we have for sale, contact our store in Richmond, Texas, today!

The Cart’s Limits

If you ever decide to modify your golf cart’s maximum speed, keep in mind that it was not designed to go faster than that speed. It may struggle to maintain those speeds without overheating, and the tires may wear out faster than intended as well. Handling will also take a hit, so you may struggle to turn or maneuver while going at those speeds. If you ever have passengers, especially children, it’s important to stay within the manufactured limits.

You should also know your cart’s weight capacity. Overloading it may impact fuel efficiency, tire health, and engine health, as well as make it harder to control. Remember to factor in the weight of all passengers and cargo combined.

Passengers

Before you ever have passengers along with you on your drives, you should practice driving with your cart to get a feel for how it handles. As tempting as it is to bring family and friends along immediately, it’s important to build up your skill and familiarity with the golf cart first. Remember especially that the rear-axle brakes on most golf carts are very different from commuter vehicle brakes, and that braking improperly can cause fishtailing or a flip.

Once you’re comfortable bringing passengers along, make sure they’re familiar with the rules. This goes double for children! Everyone must keep all limbs inside the vehicle while it’s in motion, should avoid distracting the driver, and should not exit the golf cart until it comes to a complete stop. Basically, use rollercoaster rules. 

Safety Gear And Upgrades

Consider adding a few personal touches to make the golf cart even safer. If it didn’t come with seat belts, there are upgrade kits that will allow you to install them. Again, this is especially important for children, since they’re more likely to fall off the cart and suffer injuries. 

Better lighting can also help. If your cart didn’t come with LED headlights, consider upgrading to them. LED lights don’t burn as hot, take less energy, last longer, and are much, much brighter than fluorescent or halogen lights. 

Finally, consider having a few bicycle helmets along for any younger children who are accompanying you. Seat belts aren’t foolproof, and unless your cab is fully enclose, tree branches and other obstacles can breach it and hit passengers. Also consider keeping younger children in the middle and forward-facing seats to maximize their protection.

Ready to hit the road? Contact us at Richmond Equipment to learn more about golf cart safety and upgrades, or to see the carts we have in stock. We proudly serve Houston and Rosenberg, Texas—let us serve you today!