In response to “Seven minors injured in Point Dume golf cart accident” from the Aug. 20 edition, the problem is allowing underage, unlicensed and inexperienced kids driving on public roads. During this summer, I stopped unlicensed kids daily who were driving all through Point Dume, and I have called many parents letting them know their 13, 14 and 15 year olds cannot drive legally as they do on public roads. Unfortunately, there are many adults who have kids but not parental control.
We have turned away many potential customers whom I know will allow their unlicensed kids drive the golf cart. I tell them as a parent, local and business owner, I cannot sell to them knowing who will be using the cart.
All of our safety stickers and paperwork we present upon delivery states “you must have a valid driver’s license” to operate this vehicle. The problem is not just in Point Dume but everywhere, including The Colony, Serra Retreat and Paradise Cove, all places where I have seen and stopped kids to let them know the law.
When I talk to a parent about safety and responsibility, it usually goes in one ear and out the other before I walk away. There are many small incorporated cities throughout SoCal that have codes requiring all golf carts to be inspected for DMV required safety equipment, including seat belts, turn signals, brake lights, reflectors, safety flags, etc., and then the owner must purchase an annual sticker with ID number to be displayed. This process would allow law enforcement to ID vehicle owners for citations and would bring in serious revenue for the city to justify the service and control the situation.
Douglas W. Randall