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Friday, July 20, 2007

Ind. Law - "Golf cart ordinance is a good idea for towns"

An editorial today in the Marion Chronicle Tribune:

We understand the convenience, particularly if you live in one of the smaller towns in Grant County.

It is easier to run down the block to the grocery store or the park in a golf cart than it is in a vehicle.

But we also understand the irritation of drivers in vehicles trying to dodge golf carts on the road.

They're concerned about safety, especially that of those in the golf cart.

In the small communities of Grant County, golf carts are becoming as commonplace as automobiles.

You see them driving down the road, in the local parks, in the parking lots of local stores.

The thing that makes it bad is that a child can drive a golf cart even though they may not have the necessary driving skills.

And it's fine if you decide to let a child drive on your own property. Parents are taking the risk into their own hands. But it can spell trouble on public streets.

That's why we like the ordinance proposed - and up for vote Tuesday - by the Jonesboro City Council to regulate the use of golf carts in town.

Jonesboro Mayor Terry Poling said the main motivation for the ordinance is seeing children younger than 10 driving golf carts.

The ordinance would require drivers to be 16 or older, carry insurance and pay a $15 fee for a tag. All golf carts would need operational headlights, taillights, turn signals and brake lights.

It is similar to an ordinance Gas City has in place, though Gas City also requires golf carts to have a slow moving vehicle sign.

We applaud both Gas City for its ordinance and Jonesboro for working to put one in place.

In Fairmount, officials advise residents, but there is no ordinance in place.

We suggest that one is necessary.

Anywhere the use of golf carts is booming, town councils need to look at ordinances to regulate such use.

It's important for the safety of local citizens.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on July 20, 2007 02:08 PM
Posted to Indiana Law