Page 11 - 547788_Sun City_Flipbook

Golf cart weather: CA NEWS
Make it a safe season
JUNE 2015 SUNRAYS | 9
Submitted by Susanne White, COPS volunteer

Golf carts have a lot going for them! They’re eco-friendly and
fun - we love them even if we’re not into sports! Compared to
cars, they’re less expensive to buy and drive, easier to park
and more convenient for a quick trip to the store. As an ad-
ditional bonus, electric carts help reduce emissions and keep
Sun City smog-free.
But don’t take your cart for granted. Regular maintenance
will keep it safe and running smoothly. Make sure tires are
inflated and batteries properly charged, so you don’t have to
abandon ship and walk home!
Here are some safety tips from observers in the COPs car:
• Careless driving can lead to a passenger being thrown out

of the golf cart – the number one cart-related accident. This
occurs when a driver makes a sharp left turn too quickly
and the passenger, who may not be paying attention or
holding on, gets ejected. It’s always a good idea to hold on
inside a cart.
• Another scare is a rollover, which can happen when turning
at high speeds or braking suddenly on slick and/or hilly
terrain. All-wheel brakes and slowing down are the best
ways to avoid this accident.
• Think you’ll never have to make a sudden stop? Consider
the following:
• Have you ever met one of our deer intent on crossing the

road NOW? Your first instinct is to slam on the brakes.
• What if a pedestrian steps off the curb in front of you?

Sometimes, walkers and jaywalkers don’t hear us - or don’t
always look, especially if talking or wearing headsets.
Speeding is the primary cause of most golf cart problems.
Remember, you don’t have to rev up to the speed limit! Other
drivers already notice and worry about you. Maintaining a
slower speed will give you more time to brake slowly and safely.

COPs needs you! Volunteer just four hours a
month by driving, staffing our office (from your
home, with our cell phone) or providing main-
tenance tasks such as gassing up vehicles or
taking them in for service or a wash. Please call
512-966-1362, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.
to 5 p.m.

ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG