Tavares Blocks Young Golf Cart Drivers

The Tavares City Council recently agreed to amend its golf cart ordinance to ban operators who don’t have a driver’s license.

Mayor Robert Wolf and council member Robert Speaks both said they have witnessed too many youths driving recklessly around town on streets where golf carts are allowed, according to council minutes.

Vice Mayor Lori Pfister said she could support mandating a driver’s license for golf cart operators between the ages of 16 and 18, but did address a concern for older residents who no longer hold valid driver’s licenses.

The measure passed by a 3-2 vote, with Pfister and council member Kirby Smith opposed.

Amending the golf cart ordinance will require two public hearings, according to City Attorney Robert Williams.

Across the United States there are nearly 15,000 golf cart accidents per year, with 13,000 of those accidents requiring emergency room visits. An estimated 40 percent of golf cart accidents involve children 16 years of age or younger. Small children are especially susceptible to injuries from golf carts, and are more likely to be thrown from a golf cart and suffer from severe brain or spinal injury. Accidents involving a golf cart can lead to serious and catastrophic injuries, so it is important to contact a Villages Golf Cart Accident Attorney at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible after your accident to discuss your legal rights and options.

Operating a golf cart should ultimately be given the same kind of care and focus as operating a car, truck or SUV. Golf cart accidents can result in all kinds of injuries to the arms, legs, wrists, knees, back, neck, shoulder, brain, head and spinal cord or even lead to wrongful death.

If you or a loved one was injured in a golf cart accident, contact a Villages Golf Cart Accident Attorney at Whittel & Melton for your free consultation. We know the serious injuries and damages that can come from being injured in a golf cart accident, including medical treatment, medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Your consultation is free and we never charge any legal fees until we obtain compensation on your behalf. Call us today at 352-369-5334 or contact us online.