NORTH
VALLEY – In the never‑ending quest for inexpensive
second‑vehicle transportation, golf carts have emerged
as the ride of choice for many Valley residents.
Golf
carts used to conjure up an image of a couple guys in
plaid knickers riding around a golf course, drinking beer
and hacking away at a little, white ball. Or they were
thought ofas just an “old people’s” ride. But no more.
Golf
carts are now embraced by a younger set for getting around
easily–and cheaply–in the many Valley bedroom communities.
Moms are using them to transport the kids to school, do
the shopping and run errands around the neighborhood.
Most
carts are battery powered and are energy efficient, as
well as quiet–and reasonably safe. The Consumer Products
Safety Commission, however, estimates as many as 10,000
people seek treatment for injuries received In
cart accidents every year.
This
makes safety awareness important to manufacturers and
consumers.
All
golf carts driven on Arizona streets must be equipped
with the same equipment as a full‑size vehicle:
headlights, taillights, turn signals, a windshield and
a horn, and license plates. Also, all operators must
be licensed to drive.
Golf
carts are available in various shapes and sizes, ranging
in price from about $4,000 for a stock model. But a customized
version can drive the cost up as much as the owner is
willing to spend. The bling possibilities are endless.
Chrome wheels, fancy upholstery, stereos–the list rivals
the cart’s full‑sized “pimped out” counterpart.
Mistie
Mathews lives in the Desert Hills area and used to drive
her golf cart around the neighborhood and to her favorite
recreation area on state trust land to hike.
The
key words are “used to.” Mathews recently watched as three
males stole her golf cart in plain view as she was hiking.
“I
couldn’t stop them because I was really far away,” she
said. “There were three of them and I
could hear them laughing as they started it up and drove
it away. They sounded like they were in their late teens
or early 20s. It’s gas‑powered and I don’t know
how they started it, because I had the key. But they didn’t
know they were getting a piece of junk. I wouldn’t run
but about 8 miles per hour.”
Mathews
says she dialed 911 on her cell phone and was told, since
it was not an emergency, she’d have to call another number.
The
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office sent an officer to investigate,
and he informed Mathews that hers was not the only such
vehicle that had been stolen recently.
“When
they (thieves) left, they dropped a water bottle” and
“we got some partial fingerprints,” Mathews related. “I
was told it would take at least a month before I’d know
anything else.”
Her
cart is estimated to be worth “about $1,500.”
“I
contacted the insurance company and they said they’d get
back to me, but my insurance guy said he didn’t want his
name or company mentioned in any articles,” Mathews continued.
“I just want them caught. What makes me so mad is I couldn’t
do anything about it.”
The
sheriff’s deputy investigating the theft did not return
calls placed by The Desert Advocate seeking further comment.
Reach
the reporter at jcrawford@thedesertadvocate.com.
