Golf Buggy Safety Policy

GOLF BUGGY / TROLLEY SAFETY POLICY

The Club has a duty of care to all users of the golf course. The topography of certain areas of the course is such that caution and prudence must be shown by the user of a ride-on buggy. It is also necessary for the Club to provide adequately safe means of access for all golfers including those given permission to use buggies. Moreover, the Club has to ensure the safety of golfers who do not wish to use ride-on buggies but who might be at risk from a mechanically defective ride-on buggy or its careless use. This duty of care also applies to members of the public using the various rights of way.

To assist the safe employment of ride-on buggies all potential users (Members, visitors and guests) shall comply with the following conditions:

Ride-on buggies on Club property are only for the use of Members and visitors who are currently disabled within the meaning of the Equality Legislation.
Ride-on buggies must be operated with the utmost courtesy, care and consideration for the safety and convenience of pedestrians. Pedestrians must be afforded the right-of-way at all times.
The signs and instructions employed on the course to warn buggy riders of potential danger areas or, areas forbidden to ride-on buggies because of concerns about danger or, the potential to cause unacceptable wear and tear to the course, must be followed at all times.
Ride-on buggies must be operated and parked in such a manner that they do not impede or interfere with normal pedestrian or vehicular flow on roadways, ramps or pavements.
Ride-on buggy operators will be responsible for the security of ignition keys for the period that the buggy is on the property owned by the Club.
Knighton Heath Golf Club has no responsibility for ensuring the safe operation of ride-on buggies on or beyond the confines of the course and the club car-parks other than those operated by their servants or agents. The Club will accept no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to any property other than that arising from the negligent use of a ride-on buggy by their servants or agents.
No ride-on buggy will be operated at a speed considered excessive. All speed limits that may be set must be observed.
Ride-on buggies shall be used only when the courses are open for play and when no essential buggy prohibition is in force.
Ride-on buggies must be operated in compliance with the common` rules of the road` regardless of whether ride-on buggies are operated on pavements or roadways.
Operators must stop the buggy at blind intersections and proceed with caution.
The General Manager/Course Marshal has the authority to immediately prohibit any individual from using or being carried on a ride–on buggy. Application for reinstatement of permission can only be made to the Club.

SAFE WORKING PRACTICE

Ride-on buggy operators must not be under the influence of alcoholic drinks or drugs.

Children under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive the ride-on buggy.

Before use:

All operators of ride-on buggies must sign a Safety Policy Acknowledgement form before they are allowed to drive the buggy.

A ride-on buggy shall only be used for the number of occupants it was designed to carry and only by people who are authorised to use one.

In particular, standing on the back of a buggy is expressly forbidden.

During use:

Do not move off until the occupants are seated
Always remain seated and hold on while the vehicle is in motion
Hands, feet and head must be kept inside the buggy at all times while the vehicle is in motion
Ride-on buggies must not be driven in prohibited areas
The vehicle must be used to progress the game and must not be driven up and down excessively, e.g., when looking for golf balls
The vehicle must absolutely not be used on tees, greens or the slopes leading up to them
The vehicle may not be driven into heather areas
The vehicle must not be used within 2 metres of any bunkers, ditches or ponds or slopes leading to them except when using the designated bridges
Check the area behind the vehicle before reversing
Set the parking brake before leaving the vehicle
Always consider the terrain, existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic conditions as well as environmental factors that may affect your ability to operate the vehicle safely:
Drive the vehicle only as fast as the terrain and safety considerations allow
To avoid tipping over, drive the buggy straight up and down severe slopes
Slow down before corners.
All turns must be executed at reduced speeds
Avoid sudden stops or changes of direction that may result in loss of control
Be extra careful when the course is wet and muddy

After use:

When the vehicle is left unattended, turn the operating key to the off position, remove the key and engage the parking brake.

CHECKLIST FOR USERS OF RIDE-ON BUGGIES

Know the controls and how to use them

Ignition switch and immobiliser key
Accelerator
Footbrake
Parking brake – Set the brake before leaving the ride-on buggy
Reversing Control

Know your driving conditions

Ride-on buggies can only be used for the number of occupants it was designed to carry and by those authorised to do so.
There must be a maximum of 2 occupants at all times and ABSOLUTELY no standing on the back of a buggy.
Ride-on buggies must stay on maintenance tracks when requested
The vehicle must not be driven up and down the course when looking for golf balls
The vehicle must not be used on tees, greens, surrounds or slopes leading up to them
The vehicle must not be used within 2 metres of, or on the slopes leading to any bunkers, ponds or ditches (except when crossing designated bridges)
The vehicle may not be driven into heather areas
Always consider the terrain, existing vehicular and pedestrian traffic conditions, as well as environmental factors that may affect your ability to operate the vehicle safely
Drive the vehicle only as fast as the terrain and safety considerations allow
To avoid tipping over, drive buggies straight up and down slopes
Slow down before corners.
All turns must be executes at reduced speeds
Avoid sudden stops or change of direction that may result in loss of control

PROBLEMS ON THE COURSE

Snow
Ice
Frost
Surface water
Waterlogging
Heavy rain
Uneven ground
Tournament or Competition preparation
New construction
New construction recovery areas
Heather
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Any other condition designated by the General Manager / Course Marshal