GOLF CARTS 2 WALMART - GC2W – Sun City Center – Hillsborough County

TAMPA - In the neighborhood of Sun City Center, the golf cart is king. Every day hundreds of residents use golf carts on the streets in this south Hillsborough County community. Hillsborough County commissioners are considering building a cart path across a field from East Del Webb Boulevard to a signalized crossing at U.S. 301 and Cape Stone Avenue. The path will cost about a quarter of a million dollars according to Public Works Director Bob Gordon.

Recently, a group calling itself GolfCarts2Walmart, or GC2W, launched a petition drive that garnered 4,400 signatures. A resident has met with state Department of Transportation officials to make sure they had no objections to golf carts crossing at Cape Stone Avenue. DOT is supportive of the crossing. Gordon said if the commission approves the project the developers will probably convey an easement and the project should be completed by late January or early February 2010.

Golf carts and cars and trucks on the same roads have the potential for serious injuries. If you have been injured in a golf cart accident, call the TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law for an immediate case evaluation. We are available 24 hours a day.

Call us NOW at 888-392-LAWS (5297)

www.trippfirm.com – Prompt and Aggressive Representation.

NO FEES or NO COSTS if NO RECOVERY.

GOLF CARTS & LOW SPEED VEHICLES (LSV)

GENERAL INFORMATION

If the operator of a golf cart of LSV were to commit a traffic infraction like running a stop sign, crossing over two lanes of traffic to make a left turn, speed greater than 20 mph (golf cart) 25 mph (LSV), the operator could be issued a traffic citation. Remember, golf carts and LSV’s are much smaller than regular motor vehicles and will lose the battle every time. There are no air bags or a chassis to absorb impacts.

Always use your turn signals, and check your blind spots. When turning left, always move into the motor vehicle traffic lane and turn from that position. NEVER make a left hand turn from the golf cart lane. Due to the small size and limited visibility of the directional lights on a golf cart, use hand signals to indicate your intentions.

LOW SPEED VEHICLES

Florida Statute 320.01(42) defines a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) as a four wheel vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 mph but does not exceed 25 mph.

Florida statute 316.2122 states that a low speed vehicle may operate on streets where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less. The vehicle can also cross intersecting roadways where the speed is greater than 35 mph. It also requires that the operator of a low speed vehicle must be a licensed driver. The vehicle must have a registered license plate and be insured. The vehicle must be equipped with standard safety equipment. A simple rule of thumb: An LSV can be operated like an automobile on a road whose speed limit is 35 mph or less. There are numerous makes of low speed vehicles, some look like golf carts while others are readily identifiable.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Florida Statute 320.01(22) specifies that a golf cart is a vehicle that is NOT capable of exceeding 20 mph. It should be noted that it is illegal for a manufacturer or a dealer to make, modify or sell any golf cart that is capable of speeds greater than 20 MPH. Violations of this restriction could result in charges being brought against the person or company producing or modifying said vehicle.

If you have been injured in a golf cart or low speed vehicle accident - CALL THE TRIPP LAW FIRM FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297).