Pediatric golf cart injuries rise, with younger children most affected

Golf cart–related injuries among children and young adults have steadily increased in recent years, with children under the age of 12 representing nearly half of all reported cases. These findings were presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2025 National Conference & Exhibition in Denver, Colorado.^1,2

The study, Rides and Risks: Pediatric Golf Cart Related Injuries Presenting to the Emergency Department, analyzed national data and found that the majority of injuries occurred among males and were often caused by falls from golf carts. Researchers noted that as golf carts become more common in both recreational and residential settings, the risks for children have grown.

“The growing trend of golf cart use in residential areas, alongside the increased frequency of children driving and riding these vehicles, correlates with a concerning rise in both the number and variety of childhood golf cart injuries,” said study author Theodore Ganley, MD, FAAP, of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Orthopedic Center.

Study design

Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) covering the years 2010 to 2023. The study included patients under the age of 22 who presented to emergency departments with golf cart–related injuries. Patients were categorized as children (≤12 years), adolescents (13-17 years), or young adults (18-21 years).

Case narratives were reviewed to categorize the mechanisms of injury, and bivariate analyses were performed to assess differences across age groups, sex, and injury characteristics.

Key findings

A total of 1419 cases were identified, corresponding to an estimated 53,855 injuries nationally during the study period, or an average of 3846 injuries per year. The mean age was 11.7 years.

• Mechanism of injury: Falls from golf carts were the most common cause, accounting for nearly half of all cases (49.8%).
• Injury location: Head, face, and neck injuries were the most frequent, occurring in 44.3% of patients. Falls were more likely to cause these injuries (52.2%). Lower extremity injuries were more often associated with impact events such as collisions.
• Accident type: Collisions and cart overturns were reported in 36.1% of cases, with a higher occurrence in adolescents (45.8%) compared with children (29.2%).
• Demographics: Nearly 90% of injured patients were male, and 53% were identified as white.
• Severity: The majority of injuries were superficial lacerations and abrasions (47.8%), though serious injuries have been reported in previous studies.

Children under 12 were significantly more likely to be injured in fall-related events than adolescents or young adults. Among adolescents, collisions and overturns were the leading causes of injury.

Safety considerations

Authors noted that golf cart design deficits make the vehicles prone to instability during sharp turns, sudden stops, and when passengers are entering or exiting. The findings highlight the need for improved safety measures and guidelines tailored to pediatric populations.

“Our findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and attention to these injuries among children and demonstrate the crucial role of education on safe golf cart operation,” Ganley said.

Implications

The study emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate regulations and parental guidance regarding golf cart use. With injuries disproportionately affecting younger children, interventions may include enhanced design standards, usage restrictions for minors, and targeted educational campaigns for families.

As golf cart use expands beyond golf courses to neighborhoods, resorts, and recreational communities, the researchers stressed that awareness of risks and adherence to safety practices will be essential to reducing pediatric injuries.

References:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatric golf cart injuries on the rise. Eurekalert. September 26, 2025. Accessed September 26, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1098920
2. Ganely T. Rides and Risks: Pediatric golf cart related injuries presenting to the emergency department. Abstract. Presented at: American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference & Exhibition. September 26-30, 2025. Denver, Colorado.