Ohio Golf Journal October 2017

A 17-year study completed by the National Institute of Health on non-fatal golf cart injuries showed 147,696 injuries were treated in emergency rooms in the United States. Injuries to children under the age of 16 constituted 31% of that total and patients required hospitalization in nearly 8% of the reported cases. Falling from a golf cart was the most common cause of injury. The large majority of those accidents, 70% occurred at sports facilities, while 15% occurred on the street, or on public property, and another 15% occurred at home or on a farm. Operating a golf cart, whether on the street or the golf course requires a level of conscious effort, which becomes more difficult if the driver is imbibing in his favorite adult beverage, while enjoying his round of golf. The number of golf cart-related injuries increased steadily each year, with a total increase of 132% over that 17-year period. Since the end of the study, golf cart usage has increased drastically, as well as, related injuries. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, there are approximately 15,000 golf cart related injuries requiring medical treatment in the U.S. every year. I personally know two people, who have been affected by golf cart accidents that occurred on a golf course. Golf Cart Safety Tips By: Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal Ohio Golf Journal