Wednesday, July 16, 2003

"Many of the elderly persons affected by this ruling cannot safely operate an automobile while they can safely operate a golf cart" Lloyd Walker, attorney.

Say what? You mean if someone's eyesight deteriorates to the point that they are not allowed to possess a driver's license that they are still safe driving a golf cart? If someone's hand-eye coordination is too bad to pass a driver's test they are still safe driving on a one-lane path that often requires a quick maneuver to avoid a collision?

What a crock!

You tell that to the parent whose child gets run over by a golf cart by an irresponsible teen or someone with bad eyesight or diminished driving skills. It would be cheaper to set up a bus system for the elderly to get around than to pay that lawsuit. This almost happened to both my kids several years ago.

The prevailing attitude, it seems, among most golf cart drivers towards pedestrians on the paths is "get out of my way." Walking my dogs on the paths is getting more treacherous every day.

As for teenagers the irresponsible driving of carts, often overloaded, and automobiles is unbelievable in this town with many parents leading the way speeding through neighborhoods in their minivans and running stop signs, setting horrible examples for their children.

I predict the upper courts will opt to leave this alone as it is quite obvious that a golf cart is a motor vehicle. While the city can decide not to police the paths, the police are obligated by law to enforce the rules on the roads per Georgia law.

I understand Chief Murray's dilemma. He has been a credit to our city for many years. I was shocked at his "Gestapo" quote. No one expects that of him, I hope. His obligation is to enforce the laws of the state and city as best he can.

I have called 911 on at least one occasion for a teen who crashed and was quite bloodied up. I have witnessed a cart full of teens on two wheels screaming with delight. I also see them driving on my street often at night [with] lights off. As for the elderly, some simple criteria should be set up to make sure they are safe operators.

Golf carts are not toys and need to be regulated for safety. It's that simple. Inconvenience to some teens and elderly is less important than safe operation of these motor vehicles.

Don Campbell

donc@bellsouth.net