The accident has highlighted both a frightening moment of crisis and an incredible act of quick thinking by her friends.
And the next, the 900-pound golf cart was on her neck, and she couldn’t breathe.
The Incident
The teen was a passenger in the cart when it overturned during a turn. The weight of the vehicle caused significant trauma, resulting in multiple bone fractures, including her femur and several ribs.
The Rescue
What could have been a fatal situation was mitigated by the immediate actions of three other Lakeland teens who were with her. In a surge of “adrenaline-fueled” strength, they managed to manually lift the 900-pound golf cart just enough to pull her out from underneath before emergency responders arrived.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with golf carts, which are common in many Central Florida neighborhoods. Safety experts often point out:
- Stability: Golf carts have a high center of gravity, making them prone to tipping during sharp or high-speed turns.
- Weight: While they look like toys, most electric models weigh between 800 and 1,100 pounds.
- Passenger Safety: Many carts lack rollover protection systems (ROPS) or seatbelts, which are standard in standard vehicles.
The teen was transported to a local hospital, where she is currently recovering from her surgeries.