To the Editor: Golf cart drivers need to remember safety rules

To the Editor,

It is my understanding that the city council is entertaining a motion to ban golf carts from city streets. As owners of a golf cart we are pleased to use these streets to do our shopping in Vinton. However I do believe there should be rules to be followed. I think a drivers license should be required. I see little ones driving that would not be allowed behind the wheel of a car. I have seen carts driving on the highway especially between John's tire and the city offices. It was stated a long time ago the streets not to drive on. I think people doing this should get a ticket.

Driving on the street should be considered a privilege and courtesy should be shown. One way of doing this is to pull over to the side for the cars to pass. There is no question that they have more speed. Another way to show courtesy is to use arm signals. upon turning. I think most of us learned them or should have learned them while riding bicycles.

Thank you for your time.

Edna Winsor, Vinton

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SP July 13, 2015, 12:47 pm I completely agree with the previous comments, especially with the rules being enforced. Golf carts can be dangerous! A lady driving one with two young children and I met at an intersection (E. 12th St & B Ave), she had a yield and I had nothing. She ran her sign and almost t-boned me, and when she slammed on her brakes the toddler riding with her almost flew out the front...it scared me so bad!

VB June 30, 2015, 6:51 pm I completely agree with the previous comments . Rules are made for a reason !!

BB June 30, 2015, 6:09 pm My husband and I enjoy our golf cart to do small errands, go to the farmers market, pick up the grandchildren from school and other quick trips in the community. Rather than restricting the use of these golf carts in Vinton, The rules (laws) need to be strictly enforced so that ALL who do obey the rules can continue to enjoy this mode of transportation. The Code of Iowa says: 321.247 GOLF CART OPERATION ON CITY STREETS. Incorporated areas may, upon approval of their governing body,allow the operation of golf carts on city streets by persons possessing a valid driver\'s license. However, a golf cart shall notbe operated upon a city street which is a primary road extension through the city but shall be allowed to cross a city street which is a primary road extension through the city. The golf carts shall be equipped with a slow moving vehicle sign and a bicycle safety flag and operate on the streets only from sunrise to sunset. Golf carts operated on city streets shall be equipped with adequate brakes and shall meet any other safety requirements imposed by the governing body. Golf carts are not subject to the registration provisions of this chapter. A person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a simple misdemeanor punishable as a scheduled violation under section 805.8A, subsection 3, paragraph \"f\".

bew June 30, 2015, 1:26 pm I agree 100%. I think golf carts are a great way to get around,only wish i could afford one :). I also wish there was a way to get kids to obey traffic rules when on bicycles. I live by the pool and there is a HUGE hill that there is a 4 way stop sign but kids ALWAYS run it going WAY to fast. one of these days there is going to be a horrible accident. i found this 4-16-2010 posted in vinton today. All golf cart operator\'s must possess a valid driver\'s license; - Golf carts may only be operated on City streets, and may only cross state highways. Golf carts are prohibited on sidewalks; - Golf cart operators must obey all traffic regulations, including stop signs, red lights, and all other rules of the road; - Golf carts may not be parked in Handicap parking spaces; - Golf carts may only be operated between sunrise and sunset each day; - All golf carts operated on any street must display an orange bicycle safety flag, and a reflective triangular slow moving vehicle sign displayed to the rear at all times.

AM June 30, 2015, 1:06 pm I totally agree with this letter... I DO remember reading the \"rules\" for golf carts when they first agreed to allow us to drive them around town.. Haven\'t seen them in awhile and it would be GREAT if they could publish them again.

Opinion : To the Editor: Golf cart drivers need to remember safety rules

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