St. Johns, Michigan, has started regulating golf carts on public roads due to safety concerns, implementing restrictions such as inspection requirements, age limits, and road usage rules, reflecting a broader trend across communities to manage the increasing use of golf carts for transportation.
Research shows a rise in golf cart injuries among kids in the US, with nearly half involving children under 12. The study highlights the need for improved safety features, regulations, and awareness to prevent these injuries, which are increasing due to more widespread golf cart use in residential areas.
Peachtree City, a suburb of Atlanta, has embraced golf carts as a primary mode of transportation, particularly for teenagers. With over 11,000 registered carts in a city of 13,000 households, Peachtree City offers over 100 miles of pathways that connect neighborhoods, shopping centers, and schools. Children as young as 12 can drive a cart with a licensed adult, and at 15, they can drive on their own with a driver's permit. The golf cart culture fosters a sense of freedom and community, but it also comes with risks, as inexperienced drivers can cause accidents. Despite this, many residents appreciate the convenience and connection to nature that golf carts provide in this car-dependent suburb.