Arizona Golf Cart Statistics

You’ve probably noticed that golf carts are common sights on the streets of Arizona. But do you know just how many there are in the state – or how often they’re involved in accidents? The answers might just surprise you.

How Many Golf Carts Are Registered in Arizona?

Spend some time in Arizona and you might wonder if a golf cart is the official state car. If it seems like they are all over the place, they are – over 38,000 across the state, 30,000 of which are registered in Maricopa County alone, according to the Arizona Republic. And that’s just the ones that are registered to drive on public roads. That number doesn’t account for the additional thousands of golf carts on private property – golf courses and private communities – in the Grand Canyon State. Some residential communities even have designated cart lanes on some of the streets in these developments.

How Many Golf Cart Accidents Are There Annually in Arizona?

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reports that there were 234 golf cart accidents over a three-year span, or an average of 78 per year.

How Many People Are Killed or Injured in Golf Cart Accidents Annually in Arizona?

ADOT reports that three people were killed in golf carts annually over a recent three-year span. There were also 183 occupants that suffered injuries in golf cart accidents over the three years, or roughly 61 per year.

How Often Does Drunk Driving Cause Golf Cart Collisions?

In a recent three-year window, 12 out of the total of 234 golf cart accidents (or roughly 5 percent) were suspected to be alcohol-related.

Operating a golf cart is like operating any other vehicle. When a golf cart driver is under the influence, their reaction time slows down and their judgment is impaired. This increases the risk of dangerous mistakes that could injure drivers, occupants, and bystanders.

Golf carts, though, are much easier to tip over than SUVs. They tend to flip at sharp turns and tight corners, and without a seat belt, the passenger can be thrown from the seat.

What Are Common Causes of Golf Cart Accidents?

While there are many different causes of golf cart accidents in Arizona, the most common include the following:

• Drunk driving – Alcohol significantly impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and overall ability to operate a golf cart safely. In Arizona, it is illegal to drive a golf cart on public property while intoxicated, as it can lead to serious accidents, injuries, or even fatalities.
• Inattention – Driving distractions can come in the form of mobile phones, conversations with passengers, or things happening outside the cart. Inattention reduces the driver’s awareness of their surroundings, increasing the risk of collisions with other carts, pedestrians, or objects.
• Overloading – Golf carts are designed to carry a limited weight and a specific number of passengers. Exceeding these limits can strain the cart’s mechanics and affect its stability. Overloading often leads to loss of control, especially in turns or on inclines, making accidents more likely.
• Sharp turns – Taking turns too sharply at unsafe speeds is a common cause of golf cart accidents. Due to their relatively high center of gravity and light weight, golf carts can easily tip over if a turn is executed too quickly or sharply. This can pose significant risks to passengers and drivers alike.
• Sudden stops – Sudden braking in a golf cart can throw passengers from the vehicle, especially if seat belts are not used or available. Abrupt stops may also result in rear-end collisions with following carts, particularly in busy areas or during events where multiple carts are in use.
• Mechanical defects – Like any vehicle, golf carts can suffer from mechanical issues such as brake failure, steering malfunctions, or electrical faults. These defects can lead to loss of control or unintended acceleration, making it difficult for the driver to manage the cart safely.

What Are Common Injuries from Golf Cart Accidents?

Golf cart accidents frequently result in serious injuries like the following:

• Bruises and abrasions
• Broken bones or sprains
• Lacerations to the head or face
• Head injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Whiplash

What Should I Do After an Arizona Golf Cart Accident?

Here’s what you can do after a golf cart accident to strengthen your claim for compensation:

• Report the accident – Report the crash to the relevant authorities or property owners immediately, and call local law enforcement if necessary.
• Follow up with medical care – Seek medical attention promptly after the accident to identify and treat any injuries, especially those that are not immediately apparent.
• Keep an evidence file – Gather useful documentation, including the accident report, medical records, photos of the scene, witness statements, and insurance communications. Keep them in an organized file.
• Be careful what you say to insurers – Speak cautiously with insurance companies and consider consulting a lawyer before giving any statements to avoid saying something that could jeopardize your claim.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer – Schedule a consultation with a golf cart accident lawyer and bring your evidence folder with you. You could be owed compensation, and an experienced attorney can advise you on your options.

Contact an Arizona Golf Cart Accident Lawyer

Have you been hurt in a golf cart accident in Arizona? If someone else was to blame, you should not have to pay the price of their mistakes. Instead, contact Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. for a consultation with an experienced Arizona golf cart accident lawyer, and let’s demand justice together.

Visit Our Arizona Golf Cart Accident Law Offices

About the Author

Zachary Mushkatel

Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive…