AIKEN, SC. ()- The death of an Aiken man has law enforcement reminding you about golf cart safety.
More than 90% of the world’s golf carts are made in the Augusta area, and many of you use them for daily transportation.
The Aiken County Coroner’s Office says 86-year-old Ronald New died after a late night golf cart crash over the weekend.
Law enforcement officers say while golf carts are fun to drive, there’s rules to follow and important safety tips to keep in mind.
The crash happened around 1 o’clock in the morning Saturday at the intersection of Powell Pond Road and Scotch Lane in Aiken.
State law only allows golf cart drivers to drive during daylight hours—and the rules don’t just apply to adults.
“If they’re 12 or under, they need to be buckled in with a seatbelt. You’re only allowed to operate on a secondary roadway, which is primarily your two-way highways, so nothing like a state highway or U.S. highway,” expressed Major Jason Griffin of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say New was driving down Powell Pond when he veered left and crashed into a ditch.
Law enforcement says part of golf cart safety is knowing the basic rules of the road.
“Don’t take risks, and exercise patience before moving into a traffic lane. Avoid operating under the influence, and refrain from distracted activities like texting while driving the golf cart. Be fully attentive to your actions while managing a golf cart, especially on public streets,” Griffin advised.
Griffin also stresses the significance of parents teaching their children the safe operation of golf carts—failure to comply with traffic laws could result in parents facing criminal charges.
“Ensure they grasp the critical nature of safety when driving on public roads. Offer them thorough safety guidance and review the golf cart manual to ensure they comprehend potential risks before operating the golf cart,” he mentioned.
Griffin says it all goes back to using precaution.
“A golf cart doesn’t match the speed of a car, and you’re not as protected as you would be in a car. Therefore, employ sound common sense and judgment,” Griffin advised.
The Aiken County Coroner’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing to investigate this accident.
Investigators are now waiting on results from a toxicology analysis.
