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Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTVs) AKA: Golf Cars, Golf Carts, Gators, etc. Carts vs. cars… what’s the difference?. Carts roll easier Carts always operate near pedestrians Carts run silently Other motor vehicles have the right-of-way. Carts vs. Cars….
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Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTVs) AKA: Golf Cars, Golf Carts, Gators, etc.
Carts vs. cars… what’s the difference? Carts roll easier Carts always operate near pedestrians Carts run silently Other motor vehicles have the right-of-way
Carts vs. Cars… Center of gravity is lower than most vehicles Speed limit is MUCH lower: 10 - 20 mph In a collision – the cart ALWAYS loses!
Guidelines for Use of PTVs: ALL users must have a current/valid driver’s license in possession. Anyone using a PTV must be trained First! Never allow an untrained person to operate the PTV. Drivers must be 18 years of age or older. ALL employees operating carts must comply with all traffic laws. Employees are responsible for understanding and complying with the manufacturer’s operating recommendations.
Speed Limits • The speed limit for carts is 20 mph. • Operators must take conditions into account • and drive slower under the following conditions: • Slippery sidewalks or other surfaces • Heavy pedestrian traffic • Reduced visibility due to weather • Approaching intersections and/or blind spots.
Driving Tips • Keep hands and feet inside the vehicle. • No more occupants than the number of seats.
Operating Equipment 1. Accelerator Pedal 2. Brake Pedal 3. Parking Brake 3 2 1
Insurance • Liability insurance is provided by the State of • Georgia for state owned and operated PTV’s. • A deductible may apply in the event of an • accident. • The employee responsible for the vehicle may be • personally liable for the entire loss should the PTV • be used by an unauthorized individual.
Pre-Driving Instructions/Checklist Operators shall perform a pre-operational check: Lights, brakes, back-up alarm, hazard light, horn, tire pressure… Refer to the owner’s manual for more information… Cart must be at a complete stop before switching gears. PTVs should not be parked on sidewalks. Headlights must be turned on at dusk and when it is raining or snowing. Utilize horn for emergency purposes only.
PTV Safety Guidelines Obey ALL traffic signs. Do not exceed cart weight capacity. Sudden stops or changes in direction may result in loss of control. Avoid tipping over – drive straight up or down a slope. Always remain seated. Slow down before and during turns. Reduce speed; use extra care in inclement weather.
Pedestrian Guidelines Pedestrians have the right of way. Drive slowly. Avoid driving around people when possible. Avoid driving on the grass unless necessary. Never attempt to move pedestrians through intimidation. If an operator can’t predict the actions of a pedestrian, he/she must stop the cart.
Leaving the Vehicle Do not dismount vehicle before it has come to a complete stop Engage the brake Turn off the engine Take the key Lock the vehicle if possible.
Fill the batteries using Distilled Water Only. Fill it only to the beginning of the neck of the battery. Do not overfill as this will shorten the life of the batteries. ALWAYS wear eye wear when filling batteries. Wash any acid splashes to hands immediately. Maintenance
Ensure the cart is plugged in correctly and taking a charge. Charging
Supervisor Accountability • Ensure all operators receive training. • Ensure operators review utility cart manual. • Ensure operators read Agency Golf/Cart Utility Vehicle policy. • Keep documentation to show this has been done. • Take disciplinary action against operators who • fail to comply with the Golf Cart/Utility Vehicle policy.
Other Considerations • Never do anything that distracts you from operating • the PTV! Such as: • Operating radios, iPods, walkmans, etc. • cell phones • eating/drinking • smoking • reading or rubbernecking • Do not park carts in a way that blocks • emergency exits, doors, stairs, sidewalks, • fire lanes, fire hydrants, handicap ramps. • No horse play or reckless behavior!
Transporting Loads • Keep load inside the confines of the bed to avoid • catching load on outside obstacles or persons. • Be concerned with load shifting especially when • transporting different types of materials. • Know where your center of gravity is located. Where • you normally travel safely empty; you may tip over • with an unbalanced load.
Summary PTVs can be Safely Operated. PTVs deserve the same level of care as any other vehicle. Identify Hazards/Risks Determine Control Plan JHA Monitor/ Supervise/ Evaluate Implement Controls
Contact Information C. G. Lawrence, III, MS, CSP, REM, ARM-P Chief Loss Control & Safety Officer (404) 657-4457 Charles.Lawrence@doas.ga.gov Ted Low, Jr., CSP, ARM-P Chief Loss Control & Safety Officer (404) 463-6309 Ted.Low@doas.ga.gov Questions?