'Drunken housewives and unruly kids' spark golf cart fire and explosion epidemic

26 December 2023 , 11:23

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With electric golf carts becoming more and more common, Florida is seeing a spike in crashes and fires (Image: WPTV)

Public safety officials in one US state are battling an epidemic of golf cart fires and explosions they say is fuelled by drunken housewives and unruly kids.

The electric vehicles are widespread across 'sunshine communities' in Florida, no longer confined to the greens of the golf course. Numerous neighbourhoods and communities across Florida, the Sunshine State, are advertised as "golf cart friendly", but officials say this has led to a spike in chaos and crashes.

And it's mostly down to people who aren't safety conscious, rowdy kids, and even rowdier housewives who have had one too many to drink with lunch. Emergency service officials have said there's been a noticeable spike in golf cart-related chaos - whether that's booze-fuelled accidents or crashes in garages and homes.

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Houses can go up in seconds if golf carts and/or their chargers catch fire (News4Jax)

"We see it all now," one veteran emergency worker told The New York Post. Based in The Villages, about an hour northwest of Florida, they added: "You have housewives getting drunk at lunch and getting into their carts and crashing.

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"You have kids doing doughnuts and flipping over. Carts catching fire sometimes. Most people are responsible. But a hell of a lot of people aren't."

Eric Proswimmer, captain of the Jacksonville Fire Department, said he's noticed a marked rise in golf cart fires recently. He explained many times batteries overheat and ignite due to substandard components or overcharging.

Many golf cart owners in these communities have been juicing up their carts in garages and driveways. But, this has led to devastating consequences as homes and garages go up in flames within minutes.

In The Villages, three golf carts have suddenly burst into flames on the street in recent months. One blaze even erupted during a busy and crowded outdoor festival.

"They are becoming more prevalent now simply because they are more prevalent on the market," said captain Proswimmer. In November, an 18-year-old boy in Martin County was hospitalised after suffering burns from a fire sparked by an electric golf cart charger in Stuart, Florida. Alex Torres was home with a 14-year-old and the family dog, Coco, when the blaze took hold, and suffered burns after attempting to rescue the dog.

Police investigate the aftermath of a fire sparked by a golf cart (News4Jax)

"The dog unfortunately didn't make it, but the dog was a hero because the dog alerted them that something was wrong, came out to see what was wrong, and saw the garage on fire," said Martin County Fire Rescue Division Chief Rocco Napoli. He added Alex old had gone back inside the home to save the dog when he was burned.

Chief Napoli said the fire was started by an electric golf cart charger near the garage. He explained that these fires were becoming more common, saying: "What happens is a lot of people tend to leave them plugged in overnight, or they will plug them in and then leave."

Bobby Wilson, of Quality Golf Carts, has worked on batteries for more than 18 years. He explained that golf cart fires often happen due to improper maintenance or charging.

"Charging a battery dry, you're creating a highly explosive gas inside the battery," he explained. Adding: "You're creating a fire hazard, an explosion hazard, by not doing proper battery maintenance."

Another cause of fires stems from foreign-made and less strictly regulated chargers and other components. As the niche grows in popularity, becoming more lucrative and competitive, captain Proswimmer said some sellers are lowering their overhead by using cut-rate parts.

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"In a controlled environment they are fine," he said. "But anytime there is an explosion in demand you are going to have some unscrupulous people. Moving forward, it's going to become more of a problem."

Many people see golf carts as a better alternative to cars but people are more relaxed when it comes to the rules of driving them (News4Jax)

One Florida attorney said serious golf cart accidents are becoming near epidemic. Frank Butler, a lawyer who specialises in golf cart cases, said the vehicles are becoming more integrated into commercial areas and are beginning to middle with regular vehicle traffic.

But that mix comes with greater risks and keeps him and his office busy. He explained: "A lot of little towns are passing laws to make their downtowns golf cart accessible. I don't think the risks are fully appreciated. We're seeing an increase in accidents and crashes across the board."

Mr Butler said many owners see golf carts as a "carefree" method of transport. While they have their uses, this perception means many owners and passengers don't bother to use their seatbelts or drive with caution.

He explained injuries are often serious as there is a near-total lack of protection for those travelling in the electric vehicles. From broken bones to death, he's seen it all.

The veteran emergency responder from The Villages who spoke to the NY Post reported many golf cart incidents involve alcohol. Drivers see their chances of coming across police while doing 20mph down a golf cart path slim, and so are more liberal when it comes to alcohol consumption before getting behind the wheel.

While it's technically illegal, some parents also allow their underage children to drive their carts, adding another layer of risk to the equation. One EMT said: "Put it all together and you have an issue. I'm all for having a good time, but just know what you're getting into."

Fiona Leishman