EVANS, Ga. () – After a golf cart accident Tuesday in the Riverwood Plantation subdivision in Columbia County that sent the 12-year-old driver to the hospital, some are raising concerns over the safety of those vehicles.  

Golf carts can turn from fun to dangerous if not operated correctly, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office wants you to know the correct way to drive these vehicles. 

A 12- and 14-year-old got into an accident after making a turn off Riverwood Parkway into a private drive and hit the curb, ejecting both out of the left side of the golf cart.

“The driver actually wound up striking the pavement with her head and had a substantial injury on the scene,” said Sgt. Ty Mobley, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. “We could already tell that. So, the 14-year-old had what looked like just minor abrasions to her arm. She did refuse treatment at the scene. The 12-year-old they picked up and went ahead and took her to the hospital right then.”

Drivers can be in danger while operating a golf cart. Not only can they get hurt, but parents can get in trouble if allowing a juvenile to get behind the wheel.

“The father was actually home at the time. So, him being in charge of a 12-year-old juvenile, he was cited for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle,” said Mobley.

In Georgia, unlicensed people can drive a golf cart in a private area.  But driving in a neighborhood requires a license. The golf cart also must have front and back lights, while seatbelts, insurance, and blinkers are not required. Having a child in your lap while driving a golf cart or having too many people in the vehicle is illegal.

“You have so many neighborhoods in the area, and the kids are riding around. Just know that those are county roads that are 25 or less, but again, I go back to the county roads that require a driver’s license, “said Mobley.

Even with a driver’s license, it is still important to be aware of your surroundings, follow the laws, and use common sense when operating a golf cart.