Rising Incidence of Pediatric Injuries from Golf Carts

Recent research highlights a concerning increase in injuries among children caused by golf carts, with data presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 Conference & Exhibition in Denver. The study indicates that over the past three years, the number of pediatric golf cart-related injuries has grown steadily, posing significant safety challenges.

Children under 12 years old account for nearly half of these incidents, with a disproportionate impact on males (about 90%) and a majority of the affected children being white (around 53%). The rise correlates with greater adoption of golf carts in residential neighborhoods, where their use has become more common.

The most frequent injuries involve superficial cuts and abrasions resulting from crashes or rollover accidents. Younger children tend to sustain head, face, and neck injuries, while teenagers more often experience injuries to their lower limbs. Experts believe that the design of golf carts contributes to these accidents, especially during sharp turns, abrupt stops, or when children are entering or exiting the vehicles.

To mitigate these risks, the authors emphasize the necessity of implementing safety guidelines and promoting awareness. Proper education on safe golf cart operation could significantly reduce injury rates among children.

As golf carts become an increasingly common part of suburban and recreational environments, it is crucial to improve vehicle design and enforce safety protocols to protect young users and prevent future injuries.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-pediatric-golf-cart-injuries.html