Risk Management Services
Personal Transportation Vehicles (PTVs)
AKA: Golf Cars, Golf Carts, Gators, etc.
www.doas.georgia.gov/risk

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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 www.doas.georgia.gov/risk

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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!
www.doas.georgia.gov/risk

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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.
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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.
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Read All Warning Labels www.doas.georgia.gov/risk

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Driving Tips


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Operating Equipment
1. Accelerator Pedal
3 2
2. Brake Pedal
1
3. Parking Brake www.doas.georgia.gov/risk

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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.
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 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.
www.doas.georgia.gov/risk

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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.
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 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.
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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.
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Maintenance
 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.
www.doas.georgia.gov/risk

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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk

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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.
www.doas.georgia.gov/risk

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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!
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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.
www.doas.georgia.gov/risk

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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 www.doas.georgia.gov/risk

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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
www.doas.georgia.gov/risk