Authorities responded to the scene of a golf cart accident involving seven minors late Sunday afternoon in the Point Dume area of Malibu. One 11-year-old female victim was airlifted from the scene and another victim was transported by ambulance for further medical attention at an area hospital.
Around 5:30 p.m., officials with the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station responded to a call requesting assistance after a golf cart carrying seven minors flipped driving down a steep grade on Grayfox Street near Point Dume Marine Science School.
“There was a golf cart that was carrying seven passengers … the golf cart is only fitted for six to begin with,” Deputy Joseph Telles said. “The 16-year-old driver felt that she was going too fast, it was too overloaded and the car started to fishtail. The car started going to the left and she turned to the right and over-corrected, causing the vehicle to flip and be perpendicular with the driveway.”
Occupants of the vehicle ranged in age between 11-16, and some of the seven injured were ejected from the vehicle as it flipped, while other victims were reportedly dragged up to 60 feet with the golf cart.
“The kids in the road, they were being pushed by the golf cart itself another 50 to 60 feet,” Telles said. “The children that were not seatbelted properly were ejected or pushed onto the roadway, and everybody suffered road rash.”
One female victim’s leg became trapped underneath the golf cart and nearby witnesses ran to her aid to physically lift the vehicle off of the victim, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department, Station No. 71 Captain Steven Ralston.
“Her leg was underneath the golf cart, and there were some Good Samaritans at the school,” Ralston said. “They were able to lift it up so she could get out of there.”
Each of the seven golf cart occupants suffered injuries from the accident, and there were “no adults or any adult supervision,” according to Telles.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)/Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) and golf carts are all required through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to be registered in the state of operation. Rules and regulations vary for NEVs and LSVs, but golf carts may not operate on a road with a speed limit posted above 25 mph.
Legal golf carts can only carry two passengers and travel up to 15 mph. Any golf cart modified to carry more riders is classified as a regular motor vehicle and must comply with DMV regulations for passenger vehicles.
“The golf cart was not a street legal vehicle, just a regular golf cart that should have been at the house,” Telles said.
In The Malibu Times Aug. 13, 2014 article “Sheriff’s put young golf cart drivers on notice,” Lt. James Royal with the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station noted that “golf carts are not permitted on public streets, however properly equipped low-speed vehicles are.
“We want Malibu residents to drive their low speed vehicles and golf carts but be aware that golf carts are not allowed on public streets. Although low speed vehicles are, please be reminded that all vehicle codes apply, including licensing requirements for driving,” Royal said.
Additional assistance was also provided by LACoFD Engine 71, two paramedics teams, two lifeguard units and LACoFD Air Operations, Helicopter 19.