11 Golf Cart Safety Tips

One of the joys of Bald Head Island is the lack of cars. No cars are allowed on the island, which eliminates traffic, reduces the impact on the protected natural environment of Bald Head Island, and provides a relaxed, vacation vibe.

Golf carts are easy and fun to drive, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous. While golf carts go much slower than cars, they are not toys. Accidents happen every year, even on Bald Head Island.

Brush up on these 11 key safety tips before you hop in and drive that golf cart around Bald Head Island.

1) You must be a licensed driver to drive a golf cart on Bald Head Island. This means anyone without a valid driver’s license is not allows to drive golf carts. No kids should be driving!

2) Only carry the number of passengers for which there are seats. This rule of thumb ensures everyone stays safely on board your golf cart.

3) Insist that everyone wear their seat belt or hold onto the grab rails and keep their entire body, including hands and feet, inside the cart while it’s moving. 

4) The enforced speed limit on Bald Head Island 18 MPH. Careless and reckless driving are prohibited.

5) Never drive intoxicated and avoid distractions while driving. Put the phone down!

6) Always use your turn signals or hand signals to indicate your turn.

7) Honk the horn at intersections. It may seem like a nuisance, but golf carts are nearly silent so bike riders, pedestrians, and other golf cart drivers may not hear or see you coming.

8) Stay on the roads and off the sidewalks. While a golf cart is designed to drive on the grass of a golf course, it is not equipped for off-roading. Plus, sidewalks are designed only for pedestrians.

9) Don’t take sharp turns at high speeds. It’s important to slow down when turning in a golf cart as there are no doors. Slowing down when turning keeps everyone safely inside the cart.

10) Ride the breaks when going downhill and drive straight up and down slopes to reduce the risk of rollovers or losing passengers ride the breaks when going downhill and drive straight up or down hills.

11) Remove golf cart keys when the cart is unattended and ensure the parking brake is set

There are a variety of places to rent golf carts on Bald Head Island. It’s a good idea to schedule your golf cart rental early, especially during the peak summer season between April and September.

Published on Friday, December 11, 2015