Imagine you’re cruising down the road in your golf cart, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. You’re driving with confidence, knowing that you have the best safety features at your disposal. But wait – do you actually know what safety features your golf cart has?
Street-legal golf carts (also known as LSV’s) have become increasingly popular as an eco-friendly and convenient mode of transportation. However, these vehicles can pose a risk to the driver and passengers if they lack proper safety features. As a safety expert, I’m here to share with you the top seven safety features that you should look for in a street-legal golf cart.
Although golf carts were originally intended for use on the golf course, they now have many other applications. They can regularly be spotted on the streets, in the suburbs, and even in retirement communities. It is crucial that your golf cart has adequate safety measures to protect you and your passengers. Continue reading to see what safety features you should prioritize whether your cruising around the block, or hitting the course.
It’s imperative that you ensure that your golf cart is equipped with the right safety features to keep you and your passengers safe. So whether you are cruising around the neighborhood or renting a golf cart in Seabrook Island, make sure to keep reading to find out which safety features you need to look for! Whether you
Seat Belts
When you think of seat belts, you probably picture yourself buckled up in a car. But did you know that seat belts are just as important in a golf cart?
One of the most crucial safety specs of a street legal is having seat belts. In case of an emergency stop or accident, seat belts allow you and your passengers to be secure. They give you an excuse to channel your inner roller coaster enthusiast and scream “keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times!”
There are several types of seat belts when it comes to street legal electric golf carts, including lap belts and three point-belts. Traditional lap belts fasten around the waist, whereas the more advanced three-point belts crossover the waist and shoulders. Regardless of the seat belt type you go with, be sure that they’re set up correctly and are in good condition.
Some people may decide not to wear their seat belt when riding in a golf cart, which could be a big mistake. Golf Carts are often driven at lower speeds and have a lower center of gravity than traditional vehicles, both of which may give drivers a false sense of security. But in fact, golf carts can easily still roll over of get into accidents. That’s why its important to always use you set belt – they can reduce the risk of injury or even save your life!
Headlights and Taillights
You’re out on the golf course, enjoying a peaceful round with friends, when suddenly the sun sets and you’re left in the dark. Sure, it might sound romantic in a “Twilight” kind of way, but it’s not exactly safe. That’s where headlights and taillights come in!
Headlights and taillights are essential safety features for any street-legal golf cart. They help drivers see where they’re going and make them more visible to others on the road. Plus, they give you an excuse to pretend you’re driving a spaceship and say “engage headlights” in a cheesy captain’s voice.
There are different types of headlights and taillights available for golf carts, including LED lights, halogen lights, and incandescent lights. LED lights are the most energy-efficient and long-lasting, whereas incandescent lights are the least expensive. As part of a nationwide effort to increase energy efficiency, halogen lights are slowly being phased out.
Golf carts are often driven on the road alongside cars and other vehicles. Without proper lighting, golf carts can be difficult to see and pose a safety risk to others. Additionally, headlights and taillights can help drivers see obstacles and potential hazards on the road, especially when driving at night or in low-light conditions. When it comes to upgrading you golf cart, headlights and taillights are an absolute must!
Headlights and taillights are important safety features to look for in a street-legal golf cart. They help drivers see where they’re going and make them more visible to others on the road. And who knows, they might even make you feel like a space explorer. Beam me up, Scotty!
Turn Signals
You’re driving your golf cart down the street, taking in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood, when suddenly you need to make a turn. What do you do? You stick your arm out, of course! But what if your arm gets tired, or you accidentally signal the wrong turn? That’s where turn signals come in!
Turn signals are an important safety feature to look for in a street-legal golf cart. They help drivers indicate when they are turning or changing lanes, making it easier for other drivers to anticipate their movements. Plus, they give you an excuse to pretend you’re a race car driver and say “take the inside line, folks!”
There are different types of turn signals available for golf carts, including hand signals, toggle switches, and lever switches. Hand signals are the most basic and involve sticking your arm out to indicate a turn. Toggle switches and lever switches are more advanced and are usually mounted on the dashboard or steering column. Why deal with hand signals when you don’t have to?? Their are several brands that offer lever switches that will make your ride easier and safer.
Because street legal golf carts are often driven on the road alongside other vehicles, it is important to use turn signals and follow SC golf cart motor vehicle laws. Without proper signaling, drivers may be unaware of a golf cart’s movements, leading to accidents or collisions. Turn signals can also help prevent confusion and misunderstandings on the road, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
Turn signals are one of the most important safety feature to look for in a street-legal golf cart. They help drivers indicate when they are turning or changing lanes, making it easier for other drivers to anticipate their movements.
Windshield Wipers
You’re driving your golf cart down the street, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. Even though its a gorgeous, rain starts to fall. You quickly realize that you might be in some trouble, and and not be able to get back home! That’s where windshield wipers come in!
Windshield wipers are important safety features for any street-legal golf cart. They keep drivers and passengers dry, as well as help to maintain visibility in rainy or snowy conditions. On top of that, you’ll be cruising past the other golf cart owners without windshield wipers who will stare in envy.
There are different types of windshields and wipers available for golf carts, including fixed windshields and removable windshields. Standard golf carts typically come with removable windshields but the higher class street legal golf cart normally comes equipped with a permanent windshield. Wipers come in various styles, such as manual or electric. I would highly recommend going with electric so you are not having to manually operate your windshield wipers when it is pouring outside.
But why are windshields and wipers so important? Well, as mentioned earlier, they keep drivers and passengers dry and protected from the elements. Additionally, they help maintain visibility in rainy or snowy conditions, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions. And let’s face it, nobody likes driving in the rain.
Braking System
Picture this – your whipping your golf cart down the road, when suddenly a squirrel darts out in front of you. You slam the brakes, yet your cart continues to roll. What do you do? You hope that your brakes are up to the task!
This goes without saying, but a reliable braking system is an extremely important safety feature to look for in a street-legal golf cart. Your braking system will help prevent collisions and reduce potential for harm for yourself and others. Plus you can pretend like you’re in an action movie a yell “brake for impact!”
Two of the braking system options for golf carts include hydraulic and electronic brakes. Hydraulic brakes use fluid to transfer force, whereas electric brakes use electricity to slow your vehicle. More common that not, golf carts use hydraulic brakes because they are more durable and reliable.
Street legal golf carts may not be as fast as cars, but they can still reach speeds of up to 25 mph, which can be extremely dangerous when without a proper braking system. You and your passengers will be much safer on the road if your car is equipped with a dependable braking system that helps you avoid collisions with road hazards and other vehicles.
Mirrors
You’re driving your golf cart down the street, enjoying the view and your favorite tunes, when suddenly you hear a loud honking behind you. You quickly realize that you’re blocking the way, and you can’t see the car behind you. That’s where mirrors come in!
Mirrors are an important safety feature for any street-legal golf cart. They help drivers see what’s behind them and around them, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions. Plus, they give you an excuse to act like you’re a model from Zoolander and say “the mirror doesn’t lie!”
Three of most common types of mirrors found in golf carts include rearview, sideview, and convex mirrors. The rearview mirrors are often found above the dashboard or windshield. The sideview mirrors are attached to the outer frame of the golf cart, and convex mirrors are available if you’d like a broader field of view.
But why are mirrors so important? Well, as mentioned earlier, they help drivers see what’s behind them and around them, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions. On top of this, golf carts can be difficult to see. So mirrors can make them more visible to other drivers in areas with heavy traffic.
Final Thoughts
Congrats on making it to the end of our guide on the top 6 safety features to look for in a street legal golf cart. We wish you the best of luck on the road and hope that you’ve learned a lot from this article!
Always put your safety first when using a golf cart on public roads. This will make driving more pleasurable and less dangerous. Investing in the best safety features will be expensive at first, but it will significantly lower you chance of accidents, collisions, and injuries.
We hope that our research has taught you that seatbelts, headlights and taillights, turn signals, windshield wipers, braking systems, and mirrors are all very important when it comes to protecting you, your passengers, and your golf cart!
Additional Information
- Visiting Isle of Palms? Check out the 8 best things to do in Isle of Palms
- Golf Cart Safety Hazards
