Wednesday, April 28, 2004

PTC boy, 11, hurt; golf cart operator, 15, charged with reckless driving By JOHN MUNFORD jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com It didn’t even take two full days after Gov. Sonny Perdue signed the new golf cart bill for a teenager to get into a potentially serious golf cart accident in Peachtree City, according to police reports. Jonathan David Couch, 15, of 2853 Holly Oaks Dr., Marietta, lost control of a golf cart on the path that runs parallel to the entrance of the Kedron Aquatic Center Saturday at 12:27 p.m., police said. The golf cart rolled over, partially ejecting Couch and three passengers, according to the accident report filed by the Peachtree City Police Department. One of the passengers, Blake Wyatt, 11, of 362 Lees Mill Rd., Fayetteville, was taken to Fayette Community Hospital for treatment, police said. The two other passengers, David Couch, 14, of 214 Brookings Lane, Peachtree City and Andrew Couch, 10, of 2853 Holly Oaks Dr., Marietta, were uninjured, according to the report. Jonathan Couch, the driver, admitted he was repeatedly driving up and down the hill to gain speed, the report stated. He was charged with reckless driving, three counts of reckless conduct and violation of a city ordinance. Although 15-year-olds are now allowed to drive golf carts if they have a valid learner’s permit, they are limited to driving up to three immediately related family members. The golf cart was registered to David J. Couch of 214 Brookings Lane of Peachtree City.