SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA, La. (KPLC) – While many may be hoping to receive UTVs, ATVs, or golf carts as a gift this holiday season, it is important to remember to operate them safely.

Just over a month ago, an 11-year-old in Sulphur lost his life in a tragic ATV accident. Back in May, a person was airlifted to the hospital after their four-wheeler overturned in Elton. Unfortunately, these aren’t the only accidents involving recreational vehicles that have happened recently in Southwest Louisiana.

Kaitlyn Eason, manager of Golf Cars of Louisiana in Westlake shared her personal experience of witnessing a deadly accident.

“Like two or three years ago, somebody got killed driving a motorcycle that hit a four-wheeler on the road right in front of our house,” Eason said.

With Christmas break coming up in just a few weeks, it’s important to practice safety when driving a UTV, ATV, or golf cart.

“(Although Golf Carts) do mimic (larger vehicles), they do not have roll cage protection like a car does. So, if it was to flip or get hit and it was to roll, then they would just smash completely down. It has nothing to protect you on the inside, no doors, nothing,” Eason said.

The Westlake Police Department says carts must be equipped with a rear vision mirror capable of providing the operator with a one hundred feet clear rear sight picture and side mirrors. Carts must be equipped with headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, horn and grab bar for rear-facing back seats. The driver must also have insurance and their driver’s license on them.

Carts may not be operated during severe weather, fog, or other bad road conditions.

“Biggest thing, accidents happen everywhere. There are so many preventions that we can put out there and it still happens. The biggest thing I would recommend is having an adult supervise any time that a kid is driving the cart. Even if they are above age and they are just driving around their yard, accidents can happen right there at your front door. (If something happened), you would’ve questioned if you could’ve done one more thing to stop it,” Eason said.

Louisiana requires a driver’s license to drive golf carts. However, to drive a UTV or ATV, drivers must have a license and be 21 years old.

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