Disclaimer: Friends of Nolin Lake is not endorsing the use of golf carts on neighborhood county roads.  This is simply an article on safety. Kentucky Statute 189.286 states that local government can pass an ordinance to approve golf carts on their county roads.  Check with your county for their laws.

Golf Carts Aren't Just for Golfers

- Keith Piercy, Compliance Safety and Health Officer, Tampa OSHA Area Office

I don't play golf. Nor, I suspect, do a lot of you. It doesn't matter. This story isn't just about golf.  That's because golf carts are no longer just on golf courses. You see them all over‐‐on campuses, large plant facilities and in warehouses. They're also typically used as work vehicles to transport workers and equipment from one building or job site to another.  So, safe use of golf carts is an important topic. This is especially true when you consider that some workers have a tendency to view them as toys and ride around on them without worrying about the danger, but golf carts are dangerous.

They can tip over, tumble down damp hills and collide with other vehicles. Golf carts have become a popular mode of transportation, on and off the links because of their small size, low maintenance, and ease of use. Case reports suggest severe, debilitating injuries as consequences of golf cart incidents. An estimated 48,255 golf cart‐related injuries occurred in the U.S. between 2002 and 2005; the injury rate was 4.14 out of a 100,000 population. The highest injury rates were observed in 10 to 19 year‐olds and those aged 80 and older. Males had a higher injury rate than females. 1 From an occupational standpoint, nationwide between 05/01/2007 and 05/01/2011, OSHA investigated 21 fatalities involving golf cart type equipment; 7 of which occurred in Region IV. Fifty‐two percent of the fatalities occurred at golf and club type facilities. 2 These accidents were caused by employees who did not take precautions, or generally ignored the rules. Primary causes of the accidents included cart overturns, falling/jumping from moving golf carts, collisions with another vehicle or stationary object, and struck/run over by carts.

However simple the rules may be, it is important to adhere to them and help everyone to stay safe. Here are a few simple rules:

Before You Drive

• Make sure the horn, brakes and lights work.
• Check the back-up alarm, tire pressure and battery fluid.
• Before backing up, ensure the area behind you is clear of all obstacles, including vehicles and pedestrians.

Passenger Safety

• Observe passenger limits. Only two people should ride in a two-person cart and four in a four-person cart.
• Wear the seatbelt and make sure passengers wear theirs.
• Don't stand up in a moving golf cart and don't let your passengers either.

Stopping and Parking

• Don't park in front of emergency exits, fire hydrants, fire lanes, sidewalks, ramps, or doors.
• When parking, set the brake, place the cart in neutral and remove the key.
• Secure the parked golf cart with a cable or other locking mechanism.

Transporting Goods

• If the golf cart is used to transport equipment, there are some special safety rules to consider:
• Transport materials during periods of low traffic and pedestrian activity.
• Don't overload the cart. Take only the bare minimum.
• Make sure the materials are securely fastened.
• Loads should not extend more than a foot from either side or front of the golf cart.
• Use brightly colored material to flag any loads that extend more than three feet (one meter) from the rear of the cart.

When You Drive

• Drive only in designated areas and stay off city streets.
• Drive beside pedestrian walkways (not on them).
• Observe all standard rules of the road, such as coming to a complete stop at stop signs, signaling before a turn and keeping to the right, except to pass.
• Yield to other vehicles and pedestrians.
• Don't drive faster than a quick-paced walk.
• Slowdown in wet conditions and on steep slopes when approaching corners, intersections/blind spots, and in areas of heavy pedestrian traffic.
• Slow down for speed bumps and uneven pavement. Keep off curbs.
• To avoid tipping, drive the cart straight up and straight down slopes - not on the diagonal.
• Don't drive while distracted. If something other than driving the cart has your attention, stop the vehicle. This includes eating, talking on a cell phone or jotting down notes.

1. The National Center for Biotechnology Information, Incidence of golf cart‐related injury in the United States.

2. OSHA Fatality and Catastrophe Investigation Summaries

With boating season already under way, NOAA and the National Safe Boating Council are asking boaters, sailors and water enthusiasts to remember important boating facts and safety tips when heading out on the water. Your life could depend on them!

Did you know that:

• In 2011, 758 people died in 4,588 boating accidents. Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket.
• Oceans cover roughly 72 percent of the Earth’s surface. Yet, the majority of boating deaths occur on lakes and rivers — even though they comprise less than one percent of the Earth’s surface. In 2011, 600 people died in lakes and rivers.  In contrast, 21 people died at sea. 
• Only 11 percent of people died on boats where the operator had received boating safety training.  Knowing how to properly operate a boat is critical.
• Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boat accidents. Alcohol was deemed a primary factor in 16 percent of deaths in 2011. 
• Adverse weather can play a major role in boating accidents.  In 2011, 54 people died and 114 were injured in 235 accidents where the weather was a primary factor. 
• Rough seas and strong winds can certainly lead to boating accidents and deaths, but the majority of those occur in calm seas and light wind. Twenty-five people died in 2011 when winds were greater than 25 mph; 352 people died when winds ranged between 0 and 6 mph.
• In 70- to 80-degree F water, it can take only a few hours to exhibit signs of hypothermia, such as such as exhaustion, slurred speech or unconsciousness. Alcohol consumption also increases your risk of hypothermia, which can be fatal. Don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll be okay if you’re thrown overboard into warmer waters.

So, before you go out on the water:

• Know your risk: Be familiar with the body of water you want to boat in. Learn the rules of boating by taking a safe boating course. Download the nautical charts you’ll need for your excursion. Check the marine weather forecast before going out on the water; weather can change quickly, so plan for all types of weather hazards. 
• Be prepared: Make sure your vessel has the required equipment such as life jackets, a first aid kit and an emergency beacon. Develop an emergency plan that includes more than one way to get your boat out of trouble. Create a float plan, and tell a friend or family member when and where you’ll be boating— including the day and time you will return. Buy a NOAA Weather Radio and pay close attention to marine watches, warnings and advisories.
• Be an example: Share safe boating tips with your friends, family, co-workers and your social media network. Remind everyone of the importance of wearing a life jacket and taking a safe boating course. The information you share might just save lives.

To learn more, visit the National Safe Boating Council and National Weather Service Marine Forecasts web pages.

Celebrate the Independence Day weekend with the Friends of Nolin Lake at the Wax Picnic Shelter on July 3, 2010.  Start your day with outdoor music and three fabulous bands and end it with a fireworks display shot off from the bluff behind the Wax Marina (special thanks to Barton Run Heights).  Your live entertainment is by Insulated, United, and Jack Thomas bands with music ranging from country, rock, to contemporary Christian.  We will have cornhole boards and Bimini boards set up for your enjoyment.  Food vendors will be on site.  Come by car or come by boat but don't miss this day of fun events at the lake!  For more information about the bands, check our webpage Music Across Nolin.  Contact: Glenna Black 270-899-0066.