AT ISSUE: WHAT SHOULD PEACHTREE CITY
DO ABOUT CART PATH SAFETY?
Peachtree City is always buzzing
with golf carts, but complaints continue to arise about drivers who drive too
fast or pass without warning, endangering pedestrians, pets and other users of
the city’s 100 miles of multi-use paths. Although the city’s safety rules
stipulate that golf cart drivers must give audible warnings when approaching
pedestrians, the City Council was recently approached about mandating horns on
carts. The city says its existing regulations are sufficient, but we asked
Peachtree City readers what improvements might be made.
Here are some replies:
The cart paths are definitely busier
than when we moved to Peachtree City 30-plus years ago. Requiring registration
numbers to be visible on the front and back of carts, not the sides, would
help. At least there’s a chance to see the number and report unsafe drivers to
police. — Shelley Hamann
Teenagers getting their first taste
of freedom via the golf cart have turned the cart paths in Peachtree City into
a NASCAR track. These drivers feel the need to cut blind corners, turn right in
front of you without slowing or signaling, and COMPLETELY ignore stop signs.
People are ignoring the law setting the speed limit on carts. In addition, it
does not seem that these kids understand that if you have an accident, moving
violation or speeding ticket on a cart, that infraction goes on your permanent
driving record. Things have got to slow down. — David Rossetti
As a 28-year resident of Peachtree
City, I have considerable experience on the city’s path system. One of the
first things the city can do is to not allow 12- and 13-year- old kids to drive
golf carts. Another thing that might help is to have middle school resource
officers teach a class to eighth graders on cart path rules and safety,
including a presentation showing some of the accidents involving young kids. I
think it is important that all path users be courteous and follow the rules. A
majority of the cart drivers are very responsible and polite, but it only takes
a few to create a big problem. — James V. Kelso
Better courtesy is definitely
needed, and not just from teenagers, but also parents who should lead by
example. Common courtesy, common sense, and official “yield to pedestrians”
signs at crosswalks would go a long way towards pedestrian and golf cart
safety. — Beth Ritchey
I’d like to suggest that Peachtree
City consider requiring the display of a third cart registration sticker on the
back of golf carts. Then, when a cart full of teenagers dangerously blows past
pedestrians without slowing down, the pedestrians may be able to take a
photograph of the cart and text or email it to an address provided by the city.
If several residents report the same cart, then police can take further action.
— Craig Warman
Jill Howard Church for the AJC