Golf Cart Safety

Golf carts are an inherent part of our community in Horseshoe Bay. Each year though, golf carts are involved in a number of accidents that result in personal injury, death, fires, and property damage. In an effort to prevent such accidents, the Horseshoe Bay Fire Department asks everyone that owns, operates, or cares for golf carts to follow the safety tips offered below. 

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Driving Golf Carts

The Fundamentals: 16 Ways to be safe
  • Obey all vehicle traffic laws and rules of the road.  Never drive recklessly.
  • Do not drive intoxicated or under the influence.
  • Avoid distractions while operating.
  • Utilize available seat belts in the golf cart.
  • Only carry as many people as there are seats.
  • Yield to pedestrians and be cognizant of motor vehicles.
  • Do not stand or ride on back platform.
  • Operate the vehicle from of the driver's side only.
  • Check blind spots before turning.
  • Check behind golf cart before backing.
  • Avoid sharp turns at maximum speed.
  • Reduce speed due to driving conditions: inclines, declines, blind corners, intersections, etc.
  • Do not leave keys in unattended golf cart.
  • Make sure the parking brake is set in an unattended golf cart.
  • Do not let children drive.
  • Use extreme caution in severe weather.  Although a golf cart may shield you from the rain, it will not protect you from a lightning strike.
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Golf Cart Fire

Charging Golf Cart Batteries

Safely charging a golf cart battery is of the utmost importance.  Overheated lead-acid batteries can explode.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions and heed all safety tips and warnings.
  • Always turn off the golf cart ignition key and place the cart in neutral before starting the battery charger.
  • Use only a UL Listed Industrial Battery Charger that is properly matched to the golf cart per the manufacturer's specifications.
  • The electrical outlet that the charger is plugged in to should be: a grounded outlet, have an appropriate size circuit breaker, and be a GFI (Ground Fault Interruption) receptacle or have surge protection.
  • If you must use an extension cord, know that an extension cord should never be used as a substitute for permanent wiring and it should not be fastened to a building or structure.
  • Have batteries regularly maintained by "trained and authorized personnel."  Old batteries are increasingly susceptible to off-gassing.
  • It is preferable to charge a golf cart outside, but is acceptable to charge them in a garage as long as the windows or a door are open for ventilation.
  • Have a combination smoke detector/carbon monoxide detector in place in the charging area.