Kids on Golf Carts and Mules

Wild Rose · 11-27-2011, 09:53 AM

This is kind of a rant, but I would like to hear what everyone thinks, too. It seems like, in my neck of the woods, parenting skills are severely lacking. I am always seeing, what looks to be four and five year olds operating golf carts, mules, and other vehicles like that. These kids are operating the vehicles by themselves, far away from adults, and can barely reach the peddles. Amazingly, even though they can barely reach the peddles, the vehicles are hauling butt! The kids are jumping hills, and turning the vehicle so fast, my stomach is in knots! I just expect to see the vehicle flip, and crush the poor kid. I am no prude, I believe in letting kids have fun, but these kinds of vehicles are dangerous for a kid to be driving like that. What are the parents thinking?!!!

Gabbie · 11-27-2011, 11:08 AM

I don't think they are. Some seem to think that because one so young know how to run the vehical mentioned that it's ok to let them go on their own. They seem to forget that at that age they may not be able to handle something that comes up suddenly and can get seriously hurt. THEN they will think!

Pathfinder1 · 11-27-2011, 11:41 AM

Yes, it just about HAS to be the ignorance/carelessness of the parents...in my opinion, of course.

I once wittnessed a young boy cutting hay with a tractor-mounted mowing machine. He couldn't even see over the front of the tractor. So, an even younger boy sat on the hood of the tractor and pointed out the directions that the driver had to take.

In this case, the parents WERE aware of what was taking place. They were...to coin a phrase... "unknowingly careless".

Over time, they met with some very unfortunate circumstances. One of their boys lost an arm through carelessness, their barn burned, their house burned, all at different times. I don't recall most of the other mishaps that happened to them.

The one-armed boy...however...later fell out of a tree and was killed.

These parents and their family were the nicest people you could ever meet.

Briana · 11-27-2011, 04:13 PM

I see this happen a lot, too. It really irks me, because as a parent, you should be taking care of your kids. Just because a kid can drive one of those vehicles, does not mean he has the ability to safely drive. Kids are wild and carefree, and need an adult to watch after their well-being!

campclose · 11-27-2011, 04:38 PM

I see it all the time too and I always comment. I had a cousin who was messing around (age 12) and he ran over his younger brothers arm. They spent over 7 hours in the ER. I don't think any child should be operating any vehicle!

Bella Rae · 11-27-2011, 07:01 PM

Small kids, should never operate any kind of vehicle. Some parents, just do not think of the consequences of not watching their child closely. Those parents are the ones, who always think bad things will not happen to their children.

FreeWilly · 11-27-2011, 08:57 PM

I wasn't even allowed to operate the stove or lawn mower at those ages let alone any kind of motor vehicle. I don't know if it was good parenting or not by my parents, but I'm a respectable driver on anything I drive today. I do see a lot of idiots out there though.

**CozInCowtown** · 11-28-2011, 08:32 AM

Everyone has the right to do this, the problem is who gets the responsibility when the child or someone else gets hurt or somebody elses property is damaged.
That rights and responsibilitys thing is such a problem for some people.
I had a friend once pull out a camera and started snapping pics. When asked what he was doing he said he was from the local newspaper and was that your child and what was your name again??
That put a stop to that episode real quick

outwest · 11-28-2011, 10:25 AM

Nah its not you at all, there are people in my area doing just about the same. One likes to try and super charge his golf cart and I have almost hit him twice (an adult with kids too), because he thinks zooming out of a tight alley way that comes onto our road is okay. In the car I am coming up a steep hill in a heavy (and wide) car.

bsmit212 · 11-28-2011, 01:34 PM

Yes parents should limit use. I grew up in a town where you can get anyware on a golf cart so I have used them alot. They are easy to get stupid on and get hurt. Personaly I say use WITH A PARENT on them around 12 or 13 and then if the parent feels comfortable let them out alone after 15ish.