U.S. Golf Cart Injury Incidents Climb Sharply Over Past Decade

New analysis reveals a 64 percent rise in golf cart-related injuries and highlights youth risk factors.
A comprehensive review of National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data spanning 2015 to 2024 shows that golf cart-related injury incidents in the United States have increased significantly over the past decade, especially among adolescents and on roadways outside traditional golf courses. These findings illuminate growing safety concerns as golf carts are used in broader everyday contexts beyond the fairway.

Key Findings / Insights

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Golf cart injury incidents nationally rose by approximately 64 percent between 2015 and 2024, with a marked peak in 2020 where incidents more than doubled from the prior year.

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Youth aged 12 to 16 accounted for roughly 17 percent of all reported injuries, making early adolescents a disproportionately affected group.

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On average, 12 percent of incidents occurred on roads outside golf courses, rising to 21 percent in December, underscoring risks in public traffic settings.

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Alcohol involvement was present in about 7 percent of documented golf cart incidents, linking impaired operation to injury risk.

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Fractures were the most common injury type, affecting roughly one quarter of injured individuals, followed by contusions and abrasions.

These trends reflect broader shifts in golf cart use patterns. As golf carts increasingly serve as short-distance transport in neighborhoods, campuses, resorts, and retirement communities, they are exposed to environments for which they were not originally designed. A senior data analyst noted, "The data indicates that golf carts are no longer confined to structured recreational settings. Their expanding use across varied public and residential spaces introduces new risk vectors, particularly for younger users with limited safety training."

Although golf carts are typically perceived as low-speed and low-risk vehicles, the rise in injuries tied to roadway use and adolescent operation suggests shifting dynamics in safety outcomes.

One researcher observed, "These numbers highlight a critical need for improved safety measures that align with how people actually use golf carts today, including consideration of protective equipment and clearer operational guidelines."

Why This Matters

Golf carts have transcended their original role on golf courses and have become a staple of short-range transport in diverse American communities. As their popularity grows, so does the incidence of injury, particularly among youth and in mixed-traffic environments. The spike in incidents on public roads raises questions about whether current safety features and regulatory frameworks sufficiently protect users. These findings may inform policymakers, community planners, and public health officials as they consider interventions to reduce harm without restricting the utility of golf cart mobility.

Methodology / Source Note

This analysis was conducted by Diaco Law's personal injury practice using weighted NEISS data from 2015 through 2024, estimating national totals of golf cart-related emergency department visits. Trends were examined by injury type, age demographics, and incident context. View The Analysis Here: https://diacolaw.com/motor-vehicle-accidents/golf-cart-accident-statistics/

About DiaCo Law

DiaCo Law provides personal injury legal services with an emphasis on representing individuals harmed in motor vehicle and consumer product incidents. The firm conducts data-driven reviews of injury trends to inform public understanding and to support its legal advocacy.

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