Golf Carts on Main Street

Soaring fuel costs are seeing more people turning to non-conforming vehicles, such as golf carts. But studies show that they are a risky mode of transportation.

1 minute read

June 13, 2008, 8:00 AM PDT

By Michael Dudley


"If you're driving in the United States, you're unlikely to see one passing you at 140 klicks on I-95, but they're becoming a lot more popular as a means of transport outside their natural habitat.

We're talking, in case you're wondering, about the humble golf cart.

With its rise in popularity as a residential runabout has come the realization that there are a lot more golf-cart-related injuries every year than you'd think, according to research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Center for Injury Sciences.

Its study, to be published in the June issue of the Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection and Critical Care, found there were more than 48,255 golf-cart-related injuries in the United States between 2002 and 2005, with the highest injury rates in males 10 to 19 years old and those over 80.

'A golf cart's small size and ease of use has led to [its] adaptation to an all-around transportation option for people in retirement neighbourhoods and communities,' the report says. 'In fact, some communities encourage golf-cart use as a primary means of public transportation because of their low emissions, quiet operation, and presumed safety.'"

Thursday, June 12, 2008 in The Globe & Mail

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents

The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

July 11 - Real Change

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing

Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

July 11 - Shelterforce Magazine

Green bike share bikes parked in a row on a commercial street with outdoor dining and greenery.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive

Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.

July 11 - Cities Today