A new study found that golf cart-related injuries among children and young adults have become more and more frequent in recent years.
It was also found that children younger than 12 years make up about half of all reported cases. The study's findings were presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2025 National Conference & Exhibition in Denver, Colorado.
Golf Cart-Related Injuries Among Children and Young Adults
The study, titled "Rides and Risks: Pediatric Golf Cart Related Injuries Presenting to the Emergency Department," analyzed national data regarding various incidents. It was discovered that the majority of injuries occurred among males and were often a result of falling from golf carts.
The researchers involved in the study noted that as golf carts become more common in both recreational and residential settings, the associated risks for children have also increased. In a statement, author Theodore Ganley said that the growing trends and other factors correlate with a "concerning rise in both the number and variety of childhood golf cart injuries," according to Contemporary Pediatrics.
In their study, the researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) covering the years 2010 to 2023. It included patients younger than 22 years who presented to emergency departments with golf cart-related injuries.
The patients studied were categorized into three groups: children (those under 12 years), adolescents (those aged 13 to 17 years), and young adults (those aged 18 to 21 years). Researchers reviewed case narratives to categorize the mechanisms of injury, and they performed bivariate analyses to assess differences across age groups, sex, and injury characteristics.
Highlighting the Need for Better Regulations
The study found that the most common injuries that were reported were superficial lacerations and abrasions resulting from crashes or rollovers. Among young children, researchers found that injuries to the head, face, and neck were more common. In contrast, adolescents were found to have injuries to the lower extremities, typically, the Medical Xpress reported.
The findings come as previous research discovered that more than 25% of pediatric golf cart injuries are considered severe. Ganley noted that golf carts are not toys, but rather moving vehicles.
He added that raising awareness about the safe operation of these devices, especially among children and teenagers, is crucial to preventing avoidable injuries and tragedies. The study found that sharp turns and sudden stops were the primary causes of injuries from falls and ejections.
Ganley stated that this finding highlights a key flaw in golf cart design, underscoring the need for stricter safety regulations, according to NewsWise.
