An 88-year-old Villages man recently died in a golf cart accident in the retirement community. The tragic crash is the latest reminder that golf cart drivers—and those around them—must take certain safety precautions and remain alert at all times.
Frederick Kaiser was killed when his golf cart collided with a pickup truck at Cazaras Avenue and El Camino Real, according to Florida Highway Patrol. He was traveling on the multi-use pathway adjacent to Carazas Avenue and failed to yield to oncoming traffic as he crossed at an intersection, FHP said. Mr. Kaiser passed away after being taken to a nearby hospital. The pickup driver and a passenger were not injured in the collision.
Mr. Kaiser wasn’t wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, according to an FHP report.
Safety Precautions for Golf Cart Drivers
This tragic accident is an unfortunate example of the dangers that can come with operating a golf cart. Golf carts are an easy and enjoyable way for retirees get from Point A to Point B, especially in places like The Villages, which were planned with this specific mode of transportation in mind. But golf cart accidents are also a regular occurrence in our little slice of paradise. More than 20 people have died in golf cart accidents in The Villages in the last 10 years.
Crashes can happen in a wide variety of ways, but there are some common risk factors. Negligence by the driver, other motorists on the road and passengers in either vehicle are often to blame. In some cases, foul weather or poor road conditions may also play a role. That’s not to mention vehicle defects, whether the cart came off the assembly line in bad shape or deteriorated as a result of wear and tear.
Golf cart drivers are well advised to take certain basic safety precautions. That includes obeying various traffic laws while operating the vehicle and not getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or any drug or narcotic. It also means using seat belts, using hand signals to indicate turns and checking blind spots before making a turn and yielding to oncoming traffic before making a left turn.
Contact a Seasoned Villages Golf Cart Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident, you have the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash. It’s important that you seek the advice and counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney, who can help you weigh your options and build the strongest possible case.
Villages golf cart accident attorney Tim Babiarz has been representing people involved in collisions for more than two decades. Our office is conveniently located in The Villages. Our firm is proud to fight for clients in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield and beyond. Call (352) 205-7599 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
