Ok, so while this isn’t a particularly glamorous post, due to recent incidents, I feel that it’s a pertinent one.  I want to talk about golf carts and scooters.  There are multiple places on Ocracoke to rent them, and they are a great and leisurely way to see the island.  Now, while I realize visitors are on vacation and are looking to have fun, you still need to be aware of the rules of the road. 

Golf carts and scooters operate by the same rules as cars, but protect you a lot less if there should be an accident.  Both vehicles often can’t go the full speed limit, so it’s important you be aware of your surroundings.  While I’m not saying it’s right or acceptable, there’s bound to be cars that will tailgate you due to the lower speed.  If you’re going to make a turn, try to know in advance where you’re turning – that is, don’t abruptly hit your breaks.  If you have signals, use them.  If not, use hand signals to give cars behind you a head’s up.  It doesn’t matter if you know the “official” hand signals; sticking your arm out of the vehicle and pointing to the direction you’re turning works just as well.

Wear a helmet when driving a scooter; it’s the law.  If there are seatbelts in your golf cart, use them.  If not, and you have children in the cart, make sure they’re where you can see them.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen kids riding in the back almost tumble out of a golf cart because they were horsing around while the adults are in the front where they can’t see what’s going on.

Most importantly, do not drink and drive.  Recently, two separate golf cart accidents have occurred due to driving under the influence.  And I don’t mean they were hit by a drunk driver in a car.  We all know alcohol does not a genius make – we’ve all been there, and I’ll go ahead and raise my hand on that one, too.  While golf carts and scooters seem harmless enough, they are just as dangerous and potentially fatal as any other vehicle when alcohol is introduced into the equation.  People were very seriously hurt in both accidents – they had to be flown off the island and taken into the ICU.

No one wants to restrict your fun, but we don’t want you to end up in intensive care while on vacation either.  Ocracoke natives certainly don’t want that for any visitors.  While Ocracoke seems a world away from everything, the island still abides by the same laws that govern the rest of the country.  Please remember there are rules of the road that still need to be adhered to.  Vacation safely.


If you are renting a golf cart...this is NOT ok!!

“Until tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow”

Chrisi