Golf cart safety tips from law enforcement after 86-year-old dies in weekend golf cart crash

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) – The death of an Aiken man has law enforcement reminding you about golf cart safety.

More than 90% of the world’s golf carts are made in the Augusta area, and many of you use them for daily transportation.

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office says 86-year-old Ronald New died after a late night golf cart crash over the weekend.

Law enforcement officers say while golf carts are fun to drive, there’s rules to follow and important safety tips to keep in mind.

The crash happened around 1 o’clock in the morning Saturday at the intersection of Powell Pond Road and Scotch Lane in Aiken.

State law only allows golf cart drivers to drive during daylight hours—and the rules don’t just apply to adults.

“If they’re 12 or under, they need to be buckled in with a seatbelt. You’re only allowed to operate on a secondary roadway, which is primarily your two-way highways, so nothing like a state highway or U.S. highway,” said Major Jason Griffin, with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators say New was driving down Powell Pond when he veered left and crashed into a ditch.

Law enforcement says part of golf cart safety is knowing the basic rules of the road. 

“Don’t chance it, be patient before you enter into a traffic lane, things like that. Don’t operate while you’re under the influence, no distracted driving or texting while you’re on the golf cart. Make sure you’re fully aware of what you’re doing when you’re operating a golf cart, especially on these public streets,” Griffin said.

He also says it’s important for parents to educate their kids about how to drive golf carts safely—if they don’t obey traffic laws, parents could face criminal charges. 

“Make sure they understand the importance of safety if they’re operating on a public street. Give them good safety talks about it, and read the manual for the golf cart to make sure they fully understand before they operate the golf cart what could happen,” he added.

Griffin says it all goes back to using precaution.

“A golf cart is not going to go as fast as a car. You’re not completely enclosed like you are in a car. So, use good common sense and judgement,” said Griffin.

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol are continuing to investigate this accident.

Investigators are now waiting on results from a toxicology analysis.