Researchers in the Division of Orthopedics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) found that over the past decade, golf-cart injuries among children and adolescents increased, primarily due to insufficient safety features and weak regulations. For teens, accidents frequently involved golf cart collisions and overturns, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate safety measures. The abstract will be presented at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition, taking place from September 26 to 30, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.
The increasing prevalence of golf carts in neighborhoods has sparked a notable surge in children operating and riding these vehicles. Previous research found that more than 25% of pediatric golf cart injuries are severe. In this study, researchers sought to expand upon existing epidemiological data and provide a detailed description of golf cart-related injuries among the pediatric population.
“Golf carts aren’t toys – they are moving vehicles,” said Theodore J. Ganley, MD, the study’s lead author and Director of CHOP’s Sports Medicine and Performance Center. “Raising awareness about safe operation, especially regarding children and teens, is essential to preventing injuries and even potential tragedies.”
In the retrospective study, researchers analyzed the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database to identify golf cart-related injuries in individuals 22 years old and younger from 2010 to 2023, categorizing them as children, adolescents, or young adults. They found that children under 12 accounted for nearly half of the injuries, with 53% being white and approximately 90% male.
The most common injuries were superficial, such as lacerations or abrasions, mainly due to collisions, crashes, or cart rollovers. Nearly 50% of injuries resulted from falls or ejections from golf carts, primarily affecting the head, face, and neck. Injuries due to falls or ejections were more frequent in children (55%) compared to adolescents (42%) and young adults (46%). Superficial injuries were more common in males (51%) than females (44%), while fracture rates were similar across genders.
Falls and ejections from golf carts occurred primarily from driving-related issues like sharp turns and sudden stops. These incidents highlight flaws in golf cart design. Adolescents are at risk of collisions and rollovers, underscoring the need for stricter safety regulations. In contrast, children are more likely to be injured from falls or ejections.
To enhance safety for children and adolescents on golf carts, researchers recommend that parents limit golf cart use to essential situations only and rigorously comply with all local speed limit laws and regulations. Additionally, it's crucial to educate young passengers about the importance of safety measures while riding in a golf cart. Ensuring that golf carts are equipped with appropriate safety features and are subject to regular maintenance checks is also vital in preventing accidents and injuries.
This project was developed with funds from CHOP’s Orthopedic Center.
Ganley et al. “Rides and Risks: Pediatric golf cart related injuries presenting to the emergency department.” American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting; September 26 – 30, 2025; Denver, Colorado.
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Researchers in the Division of Orthopedics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) found that over the past decade, golf-cart injuries among children and adolescents increased, primarily due to insufficient safety features and weak regulations. For teens, accidents frequently involved golf cart collisions and overturns, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate safety measures. The abstract will be presented at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition, taking place from September 26 to 30, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.
The increasing prevalence of golf carts in neighborhoods has sparked a notable surge in children operating and riding these vehicles. Previous research found that more than 25% of pediatric golf cart injuries are severe. In this study, researchers sought to expand upon existing epidemiological data and provide a detailed description of golf cart-related injuries among the pediatric population.
“Golf carts aren’t toys – they are moving vehicles,” said Theodore J. Ganley, MD, the study’s lead author and Director of CHOP’s Sports Medicine and Performance Center. “Raising awareness about safe operation, especially regarding children and teens, is essential to preventing injuries and even potential tragedies.”
In the retrospective study, researchers analyzed the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database to identify golf cart-related injuries in individuals 22 years old and younger from 2010 to 2023, categorizing them as children, adolescents, or young adults. They found that children under 12 accounted for nearly half of the injuries, with 53% being white and approximately 90% male.
The most common injuries were superficial, such as lacerations or abrasions, mainly due to collisions, crashes, or cart rollovers. Nearly 50% of injuries resulted from falls or ejections from golf carts, primarily affecting the head, face, and neck. Injuries due to falls or ejections were more frequent in children (55%) compared to adolescents (42%) and young adults (46%). Superficial injuries were more common in males (51%) than females (44%), while fracture rates were similar across genders.
Falls and ejections from golf carts occurred primarily from driving-related issues like sharp turns and sudden stops. These incidents highlight flaws in golf cart design. Adolescents are at risk of collisions and rollovers, underscoring the need for stricter safety regulations. In contrast, children are more likely to be injured from falls or ejections.
To enhance safety for children and adolescents on golf carts, researchers recommend that parents limit golf cart use to essential situations only and rigorously comply with all local speed limit laws and regulations. Additionally, it's crucial to educate young passengers about the importance of safety measures while riding in a golf cart. Ensuring that golf carts are equipped with appropriate safety features and are subject to regular maintenance checks is also vital in preventing accidents and injuries.
This project was developed with funds from CHOP’s Orthopedic Center.
Ganley et al. “Rides and Risks: Pediatric golf cart related injuries presenting to the emergency department.” American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting; September 26 – 30, 2025; Denver, Colorado.
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