BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Beware: Puttering around on golf carts can be hazardous to your health.
Those little vehicles that lurch and buzz past fairways and greens -- and increasingly down suburban streets -- might be a cost-saving alternative to gas-guzzling SUVs and cars. But a pair of studies released last week suggests they do have their risks.
The research found that over a four-year period, nearly 50,000 people were hurt in accidents involving golf carts.
One of the studies, by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said about 1,000 Americans are hurt on golf carts every month. Males aged 10 to 19 and people older than 80 had the highest injury rates.
A separate study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, said annual injury rates for golf carts increased 130 percent over 16 years ending in 2006. The report said falling or jumping out of carts accounted for the largest number of injuries, 38 percent.
"Part of it is there are more people using them. Part of it is they are using them in more places," said Tracy J. Mehan of the injury research center, noting many carts can reach speeds of 25 mph.
About half of the injuries occurred on golf courses or in other sports venues, such as football stadiums. The rest were on streets or residential property.
Both studies reviewed records from U.S. emergency rooms on accidents involving golf carts.
Calls for comment on the studies were not immediately returned by officials of the National Golf Car Manufacturers Association and Augusta-based E-Z-Go, which bills itself as the leading manufacturer of golf carts and utility vehicles.
On its Web site, the manufacturers association said there were no recent statistics on golf cart ownership or use. But most of the nation's estimated 16,000 golf courses have at least a few dozen golf carts, and more and more, both gas and battery powered, are being used for transportation in neighborhoods.
UAB researcher Gerald McGwin said some communities encourage the use of golf carts because of their low pollution levels, quiet operation and presumed safety.
"A lot of people perceive golf carts as little more than toys, but our findings suggest they can be quite dangerous, especially when used on public roads," he said in a statement.
Mr. McGwin recommends driver education and safety standards for golf carts, which are largely unregulated. He also called for the use of helmets and seat belts and better golf course design to reduce steep hills, sharp curves and other hazards.
The Ohio study suggested a minimum driving age of 16 for golf carts and rules banning children under 6 from riding in them. Driver training programs and written safety policies also could help, it said.
Mr. McGwin said bone fractures and head injuries were among the most common injuries detected in his study, published by the Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection and Critical Care .
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, in a 2005 report on the hazards of different sports activities and equipment, took note of golf carts.
"These vehicles are also related to a sizable number of incidents where the vehicle tipped over or a rider fell out or was ejected," the report said.
LOCAL TRENDS
Golf cart use peaks in the summertime, said Columbia County sheriff's Capt. Steve Morris, but it seems as if more people are driving the vehicles year-round. However, he said, the increased use has not created more accidents.
"Very few golf cart accidents are reported each year. And of the ones that are reported, most involve minor injuries and most do not involve other vehicles," Capt. Morris said.
University Hospital spokesman Steve Crawford and Mark Newton, the chairman of emergency medicine at Doctors Hospital, said their facilities do not track golf cart-related injuries specifically.
However, Dr. Newton said, "We've seen our share over time. We've had them for 15 years."
He said most golf cart-related emergency room visits involve ankle or wrist fractures or head injuries to patients younger than 16. He said passengers are more likely to be injured than drivers.
"That's who falls out when somebody hits the gas or brakes or swerves," Dr. Newton said.
-- Betsy Gilliland, staff writer
WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?
Golf carts are not allowed on public streets in Richmond County.
In Columbia County, golf carts can be operated by licensed drivers on any street with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. Seat belts and general registration are not required, but golf carts must be equipped with head, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
The most common golf cart violations in Columbia County are operation by unlicensed drivers and operation after dark without proper safety equipment. First offenders are given a warning, and repeat offenders are issued a citation.
Authorities said golf carts are not designed to transport children.
Sources: Richmond County sheriff's Maj. Richard Weaver; Columbia County sheriff's Capt. Steve Morris
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