The Mooresville Police Department is taking proactive steps to educate the public and prevent future accidents after a recent incident involving a golf cart and a Range Rover. Three teenagers narrowly escaped serious injury when their golf cart was struck by a 5,000-pound vehicle. According to Sgt. Jeremy Dingler, the teens were not wearing seat belts at the time of the collision, highlighting the importance of safety measures.
The crash occurred on July 19 at the intersection of Elizabeth Hearth Drive and Harris Village Drive. The golf cart involved was non-street legal, unregistered, and lacked proper lighting. The driver, a juvenile, was accompanied by two passengers when their vehicle was hit by an SUV making a left turn. The lack of operational lighting on the golf cart made it difficult for the driver of the Range Rover to see them, leading to the collision.
Fortunately, the three juveniles in the golf cart sustained only minor injuries and were transported to Levine Children’s Hospital for treatment. The driver of the Range Rover was unharmed. Following an investigation, the owner of the golf cart, Michael Wilson, was cited with two counts of misdemeanor child abuse and failure to register a vehicle. The MPD Traffic Unit determined that the driver of the Range Rover was not at fault in the accident.
The incident has prompted the Mooresville Police Department to address the issue of teenagers operating golf carts in neighborhoods. State law prohibits the operation of golf carts on roadways in North Carolina unless classified as Low-Speed Vehicles. These vehicles must meet specific requirements, including proper lighting, safety features, registration with the N.C. Department of Transportation, and insurance.
Sgt. Dingler emphasized the importance of parents being aware of and following the law when it comes to allowing their children to operate golf carts. He stressed the need for responsibility and knowledge of the laws governing neighborhood roads, which are subject to the same regulations as major highways.
The MPD aims to raise awareness and prevent future accidents by sharing information about relevant laws with the community. By educating the public on the proper use of golf carts and emphasizing safety measures, they hope to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. It is crucial for both parents and teenagers to understand and adhere to the laws to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.