Golf carts are an essential and ubiquitous part of the game — from casual weekend rounds to elite amateur events — but they’re also vehicles that deserve more respect than they often get.

A recent fatal golf cart accident involving Jeff Sperbeck, the longtime agent and friend of NFL legend John Elway, has brought renewed attention to the importance of golf cart safety. While details of the incident are still under investigation, initial reports suggest that Sperbeck may have been riding in an unsafe position — possibly off the back of the cart — a behavior that’s alarmingly common and deeply risky.

As golfers, it’s easy to forget: golf carts aren’t toys. They are motorized vehicles capable of serious injury or worse when operated carelessly or under unsafe conditions.

A Widespread But Underreported Problem

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 15,000 golf cart-related injuries occur each year, with many requiring emergency room visits. The majority happen on golf courses and often involve behaviors like:

• Passengers standing or riding on the back
• Sharp turns taken at speed
• Distracted driving
• Lack of seatbelt use (if available)
• Alcohol impairment
  

Many injuries involve falls from the cart, especially when someone is riding on the rear platform or hanging onto the canopy supports — a maneuver that feels casual but can become deadly if the cart accelerates or turns suddenly.

Safety Guidelines Every Golfer Should Follow

Regardless of experience or environment — private course, resort, or public facility — basic safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of injury:

✅ Stay seated properly
All riders should remain fully seated, with feet inside the cart and no hanging off the sides or rear.

✅ Know the course terrain
Be cautious on slopes, bridges, and uneven paths. Avoid driving too fast, especially downhill or in wet conditions.

✅ Drive sober and alert
Operating a golf cart under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both dangerous and, in many jurisdictions, illegal.

✅ Limit distractions
Just like in a car, distractions — even checking a phone or scorecard while driving — can lead to loss of control.

What We Can Learn

The golf community is tight-knit, and when high-profile incidents occur, they carry lessons beyond the headlines. While the specifics of the Sperbeck tragedy are still emerging, what’s clear is that no one is immune from risk — not celebrities, not casual players, not tournament competitors.

As more courses adopt advanced carts, and usage extends beyond golf into lifestyle communities and private residences, the conversation around safety is overdue.

Let this moment be a reminder: enjoy the ride, but respect the machine.

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