Golf Cart Incident Involving a Minor Ends in ‘Pockets of Blood’ and Raises Eyebrows

Apr 25, 2023 | 1:18 PM EDT

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While golf is generally considered to be a safe sport, tragic incidents do occur from time to time. This time, an unfortunate accident occurred at Port Aransas in Texas when a woman, along with her daughter and friend, incurred injuries in a golf cart mishap.

Port Aransas is a famous getaway that boasts sandy beaches and other picturesque spots. The injured individuals were also in the midst of having a good time before tragedy struck last Friday.

Fun golf cart activity takes an unfortunate turn

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Port Aransas is well-known for its famous Gulf of Mexico beaches, which offer many recreational activities to visitors. Residents and tourists love to rent golf carts as driving on the sandy beaches is permitted.

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Last week, Barbara Vipond also rented a cart, hoping to have a nice day with her daughter. A friend of Vipond, who was visiting for the weekend, had also joined the pair. But, good times were cut short after a 13-year-old girl, driving another cart, hit their golf cart from behind.

According to Kris 6 News, the trio had been thrown out of the car due to the impact. Vipond’s friend was stuck beneath it, but she eventually made it out. “She had her foot stuck up underneath it and the tire was on her head, amazingly she pulled out her foot, and moved it up off her head, and crawled out I was in shock and just thankful she was alive,” shared Vipond.

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Also Read: A Casual Ride in a Golf Cart Takes an Unfortunate Turn as Two Men Get Seriously Injured

The victims were then rushed to the Corpus Christi Medical Center in Bay Area. Vipond revealed that she was bruised up and feeling sore post the incident. “I have pockets of blood that have formed, and my shoulder of course we are going to doctors and they are trying to see if the can fix me,” she said. After the incident, many are questioning whether minors are permitted to drive golf carts.

Can minors drive golf cart rentals?

While accidents involving golf carts aren’t unheard of, the golf cart that hit Vipond’s cart at Port Aransas was being driven by a minor, raising many eyebrows. But, Port Aransas Police Chief Scott Burroughs has revealed that golf carts also fall under the purview of regular traffic laws.

Per the police, teens driving golf carts without a license will face fines starting at $500. Additionally, their parents will also be subjected to charges. To rent golf carts, one must provide proof of car insurance and a valid license. Moreover, many rental companies also require the renter to be above 21 years of age.

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Tragic accidents like this one can be easily avoided with a little bit of mindfulness. Car rental companies must make sure to carefully verify factors like age, and license before renting out vehicles to individuals.