If you own a golf cart, it's important to be fully aware of the safety risks. Sure, it's not a sports car speeding down the freeway or a powersports vehicle cruising up a mountain. But every vehicle brings with it some risks, especially if you plan on taking passengers around. Studying up on some basic safety principles can help set you up for successful and incident-free trips.

Keep reading for the essential golf cart safety tips. If you want more information or want to shop golf carts for sale, reach out to the experts at Discovery Golf Cars. Our dealership is based in Land O'Lakes and Clearwater, Florida. We also serve those in St. Petersburg and Lakeland, Florida.

Stay Within The Golf Cart's Limits

Exceeding a model's limits can easily lead to a safety situation. When you first purchase a golf cart, take the time to familiarize yourself with it. Read through the owner's manual and understand what the model can (and cannot) handle.

For example, pay close attention to its original speed limit. This is the maximum that the golf cart can safely hit without massive compromise to stability and driver control. If you choose to modify the golf cart to hit higher speeds, know that it comes at some handling and safety sacrifices. Whenever you drive with children passengers, stick to the original factory set speed limit.

It's also crucial to know the golf cart's weight limit. Overloading the model can not only cause sacrificed fuel efficiency, but increased risk of an accident. Remember to factor in the weight of the passengers, not just the weight of the cargo.

Practice Before Passengers

When you first purchase a golf cart, it's understandable to want to take friends and family on a ride as soon as possible. But it's important to build your skills and experience first. Spend some time learning how the golf cart handles, what its turning radius is, how much space it needs to come to a full stop and so on. Remember that the rear-axle brakes on golf carts are different than the brakes on a commuter vehicle. Improper braking can result in fishtailing or even flipping the golf cart over. 

Add Safety Upgrades To The Golf Cart

If your golf cart lacks seat belts, get those installed as soon as possible. Seat belts are a wise investment, especially for anyone transporting kids. Younger children are more likely to fall off the golf cart and suffer injuries, which seat belts can help prevent.

Another key upgrade is better lighting. When you can't properly see the route, it's easier to run into an obstacle. You also need to be properly seen by any pedestrians or other vehicles in the area. If your golf cart's lights aren't the brightest, swap them out for stronger models.

Go Over Rules With Any Passengers

Don't assume people automatically know the rules for a safe golf cart experience. Make sure everyone understands to keep their limbs inside the vehicle, avoid distracting the driver, wait until it comes to a full stop before stepping out, and so on.

If you are traveling with kids, consider having them wear a bike helmet. It will offer much needed protection in the event of an accident. It's also helpful to have kids sit in the middle and in forward facing seats, with adults on the outside.

We hope you found this guide to golf cart safety helpful. If you're looking for golf carts for sale, check out the selection at Discovery Golf Cars. Our expert staff is happy to assist you. Tell us about your budget and lifestyle, then we can recommend compatible models. You'll find us in Land O'Lakes and Clearwater, Florida, and we also serve those in St. Petersburg and Lakeland. You can also explore our inventory online at any time.