Golf Cart Safety Policy
TRINITY UNIVERSITY
GOLF CART SAFETY PROCEDURES
The following are basic rules of operating and maintaining golf carts used for
work and personal transportation on the campus of Trinity University. Anyone
found violating these rules would be subject to disciplinary action.
SAFETY WHEN OPERATING A GOLF CART
The maximum speed of a golf cart depends upon the terrain over which it is being
driven, the weather conditions, and the total weight of the golf cart and
passengers and any equipment being carried. A golf cart should be operated on
campus at a speed equivalent to a well-paced walk but no faster than
fifteen-mph. Golf cart operators will observe all Texas vehicle traffic laws
such as lane travel, stop signs, legal passing of other vehicles, etc.
Golf carts should be operated on campus streets when possible. Sidewalks should
be used only where streets and/or parking lots are not available, and then only
to the nearest adjacent street or parking lot. Operating a golf cart on a
sidewalk is permissible for workers having to transport equipment to or from a
work site but then only from the nearest street.
Most golf carts used on this campus are designed to carry a driver and one
passenger. A golf cart will not be operated with more passengers than it is
designed to carry. All golf carts should have seat belts for the operator and
each passenger, and each person riding in the golf cart will be restrained by a
safety belt. All occupants in the golf cart shall keep hands, arms, legs and
feet within the confines of the golf cart at all times when the cart is in
motion.
On the campus of Trinity University, the pedestrian always has the right-of-way.
Operators of golf carts will permit this right-of-way. If the golf cart is being
operated on a sidewalk, the operator will pull off of the sidewalk or stop the
unit when approaching pedestrians.
When the golf cart is not in use, the operator will place the golf cart control
lever in the "Neutral" position and remove the key.
When the golf cart is not to be used such as over-night, the unit will be
secured with a cable and lock or other equivalent locking mechanism.
SAFETY CHECKLIST
The operator will, before operating the golf cart, check for proper tire
condition and inflation. Brakes will be checked for proper operation. The
operator will check for any indication of battery fluid leaks such as wet spots
under the unit. If the golf cart is in need of repair or maintenance, the unit
will be taken out of service, and the mechanic at the Physical Plant will be
notified.
OPERATING THE GOLF CART
The following rules should be observed when operating or using a golf cart:
* Never leave the keys in the golf cart when unattended.
* Always lock and secure the golf cart when not being used, such as when
storing overnight.
* Never back up without looking to see what is behind the cart.
* Never shift gears while the vehicle is in motion. Never exceed the safe
speed limit.
* Never operate the golf cart with more
passengers aboard than the golf cart is designed to accommodate.
* Always obey all traffic rules and regulations.
* Reduce speed to compensate for inclines, pedestrians, and weather
conditions.
* Maintain adequate distance between vehicles.
* Approach sharp or blind comers with caution. Operator and passengers
should wear seat belts.
* Keep hands, legs, feet and arms inside the confines of the golf cart
when it is in motion.
Use a tow bar only when towing a golf cart.
BATTERY RECHARGE
When recharging the batteries, the following safety rules shall be observed:
Do not smoke near the recharge station. Only an approved battery charger will be
used to recharge the batteries (designed to shut off automatically when the
batteries are fully charged.) Do not recharge near an open flame or source of
ignition. Pour baking soda on all spilled battery acid before cleaning up the
spill. Wash skin thoroughly with cold water if in contact with battery acid.
Disconnect all battery charger cords before using the golf cart.