National Golf Car Manufacturers Association Issues Statement Following Golf Car Safety Studies

Aug. 13, 2008 - PRLog -- ATLANTA, GA. – In Response to reports published recently by two medical journals concerning golf car safety, the National Golf Car Manufacturers Association issued the following statement:

The NGCMA supports all efforts to bring attention to the fact that golf cars should be operated with safety as the primary consideration by anyone operating or riding in the vehicle. The safety of operators and passengers is the number one consideration for our members, and that priority is reflected in the design and engineering of every golf car manufactured by NGCMA member organizations. The industry responded to the increased use of golf cars in neighborhoods by establishing a new classification of golf car, the personal transport vehicle.  The PTV, as it is known, adds basic safety equipment, such as lights and reflectors to increase the visibility of golf cars with regard to neighborhood traffic.

Separate studies by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine) and The Ohio State University (published in the Journal of Trauma Injury, Infection and Critical Care) focused on the safety of operators and passengers traveling in golf cars.  The studies reported an increase in accidents in recent years involving golf cars and called for heightened awareness of safety precautions among golf car operators and passengers.

When asked about the accuracy of the studies, Fred Somers, spokesman for the NGCMA, pointed out: “While the industry has no plans to dispute the findings, it should be pointed out that the studies indicate the injury rate for golf cars is almost one-tenth of the rate for horseback riding.  Similarly, the injury rate for golf cars is less than one-third that of automobiles.  The studies and the multitude of newspaper stories reporting the studies have painted the picture that golf cars are somehow unsafe.  This is simply not true”.  Mr. Somers also noted: “Given the increased use of golf cars and PTVs in recent years, the injury rate as a percentage of the installed base has actually decreased.”

The NGCMA, which represents manufacturers of golf cars and PTVs, expanded on its overall response to the studies with the following information:

Golf cars and PTVs have a history of being very safe vehicles when driven by licensed drivers in approved areas.  For short trips in permitted venues, the golf car and PTV are the safest mode of vehicular transportation presently available.

Injuries involving children occurred in almost one-third of the accidents reviewed in the studies.  NGCMA strongly discourages operation of golf cars or PTVs by anyone other than licensed drivers.

NGCMA members adhere to strict safety standards developed under the auspices of the American National Standards Institute for the design and operation of golf cars.

The NGCMA has published a model legislation and ordinance package for states and communities considering the authorized use of golf cars or PTVs on roads and streets as well as guidelines for golf car storage facility design and golf course safety.

Golf cars are designed with a low center of gravity and wide-tread tires to be inherently stable.  Golf cars have become increasingly more sophisticated – and as a result, safer – in terms of their design and performance. Examples of these safety-inspired enhancements include regenerative braking systems, which slow the vehicle as it goes down steep inclines; as well as automatic parking brake systems and reinforced arm rests, hand holds and hip restraints for greater comfort and security.

Mr. Somers concluded: “Given the recent sharp rise in fuel prices, the low long term ownership cost, the focus on a cleaner environment and our Country’s need to lessen its dependence on foreign oil, ‘zero emissions’ electric golf cars and PTVs make more sense now as alternative transportation than ever before when used in ‘Controlled Operating Environments’.  While golf cars and PTVs are still among the safest and most reliable modes of vehicular transportation, NGCMA and its member companies are constantly striving to improve safety awareness, technology and product features. As a part of its mission, NGCMA will continue to assist governmental and private entities to prepare appropriate legislation, define rules and standards and to identify ‘Controlled Operating Environments’ for golf cars and PTVs.”

Copies of the free ‘Model Legislation’ package which contains current recommendations can be downloaded at http://www.ngcma.org/guidelines.htm

About the NGCMA
The National Golf Car Manufacturers Association was organized in 1984 to promote the common business interest of its members, improve the business conditions of the game of golf through the use of golf cars and to foster the promotion of safety standards with respect to golf cars and personal transport vehicles. The NGCMA is a Georgia nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(6) qualified national trade association comprised of the leading golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers.

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The National Golf Car Manufacturers Association was organized in 1984 to promote the common business interest of its members, improve the business conditions of the game of golf through the use of golf cars and to foster the promotion of safety standards with respect to golf cars and personal transport vehicles. The NGCMA is a Georgia nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(6) qualified national trade association comprised of the leading golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers.