Peachtree City is well known for its 100 miles of golf cart paths. Approximately 11,400 golf carts are currently registered in Peachtree City, and though these environmentally friendly carts have many benefits, they do not come without hazards. During the three years 2011, 2012, 2013, a total of 200 accidents were reported, and of these, forty incurred injuries. There is no way of determining how many accidents went unreported during that period. I could not find recent statistics.
Peachtree City has compiled a comprehensive brochure entitled “Do YOU know the RULES?” and it provides all the information an owner or a driver of a golf cart needs to know about traveling safely on the paths. Under the heading “Golf Cart Rules”, one rule clearly states “HORN or other audible signal REQUIRED when approaching pedestrians from behind”. Under the section “Rules for all Path Users” another states “An audible warning is required from cart drivers, bicyclists, and skaters when approaching pedestrians from behind”. In addition, between the list of rules for all path users and those for golf carts, a horn is pictured with the words AUDIBLE SIGNAL REQUIRED in large print.
It is interesting to note that the rules also emphasize that pedestrians should be given the right of way by all other path users.
The matter of audible warnings is not only a rule, it also forms part of the city’s Code of Ordinances. The following is an excerpt:
Sec. 78-96 (f) reads, “A warning or announcement shall be given by operators of golf carts and other users of the recreational paths, such as bicyclists and skaters, when approaching pedestrians from the rear. This warning or announcement may be verbal, but it is recommended that bicyclists and golf cart operators equip their vehicles with a warning device such as a horn or bell. Each user of the recreation paths shall be considerate of the safety and welfare of other users, and dangerous conduct will not be tolerated.” Penalties for violations are also included in the Code of Ordinances.
I am concerned that this particular rule is blatantly ignored in Peachtree City. What is being done regarding its enforcement? Because most of the carts are electric, they move quietly, so when a golf cart unexpectedly closes in on the heels of an unsuspecting pedestrian, it can be startling, and if the pedestrian is walking two or more leashed dogs the result can be chaotic, and even dangerous. The task of reining in dogs who have been contentedly sniffing the grass alongside the path, is more easily accomplished with prior warning from the approaching golf cart.
In view of the popularity of golf carts, the number of carts will no doubt increase in years to come. The first paths were built in the 1970s, and they now cover a distance of 100 miles. Is it not time for the city to consider amending its Code of Ordinances by making it compulsory for every golf cart to be equipped with a horn or bell, thus conforming to the Georgia law which came into force on 1 January 2012?
Surely it is not up to flustered pedestrians to be making notes of the registration numbers of carts driven by transgressors? Is it really expected that a driver should be raising his voice loud enough to warn a pedestrian, or a group of pedestrians in conversation, of his approach, and from what distance?
This by no means frivolous problem could easily be solved by fitting a horn or bicycle bell to a cart, a simple and inexpensive task, and by that small change in the Code of Ordinances. I am informed that the 2017 golf cart models come equipped with built-in horns.
The most worrying piece of information given to me during the course of my enquiries was from a dealer who said that none of the golf carts he rents out is equipped with a horn.
Susan Buekes
Peachtree City, Ga.
