U.S. Sets New Golf Cart Rules of the Road

Those souped-up golf carts that have become popular with the elderly for short local trips will soon have to have seat belts and other safety features, the government said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is placing low-speed vehicles in a transportation category of their own. “Low-speed vehicles”--classified as those with top speeds of 20 to 25 mph--will be exempt from federal crash-test standards and requirements for such safety equipment as air bags. They must, however, have other safety features, including seat belts, headlights, turn signals and rearview mirrors, the agency said. Golfers won’t have to buckle up on the fairway, though, because their top speed is just 15 mph. The new rule is meant to resolve conflicts among federal, state and local regulators, and to provide manufacturers with a uniform standard. Some communities have banned the carts from public places because of safety concerns. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reports of 7,218 injuries from golf carts, including 25 deaths. The new federal rules take effect Wednesday.