Some Teenagers May Not Be Able To Drive Golf Carts Anymore
Some teenagers may not be able to drive golf carts anymore. The Florida Legislature is trying to get a bill passed that would increase the age and add other requirements.
In neighborhoods in the Tampa area, young kids can be seen driving golf carts around. No adult supervision. Some of these kids are under the age of 15 and have not been taught the rules of the road. They don’t stop at signs, or yield to oncoming traffic. They haven’t gone through driving courses and yet they are able to drive golf carts around on public roads. There are more then 6,500 gold cart accidents each year among young kids. This is why they are looking into the new law and some teenagers may not be able to drive golf carts anymore.
SB 1290, sponsored by Sen. Erin Grall- R, Ft. Pierce, prohibits a person from driving a golf cart on public roadways unless they are 15 with a learner’s permit or 16 with a license. The proposed legislation would boost the age of golf cart drivers to 15 years old, as long as the teenager is accompanied by an adult. Those with learner’s permits must have someone 21 and older in the passenger seat of the golf cart.
Golf carts do not require insurance and usually do not exceed 20 miles per hour.
Most Targeted Vehicles For Car Theft In Florida
So, what are the most targeted vehicles for car theft in Florida? Well, there is one item on these cars that is being stolen and thieves want their hands on it. The catalytic converter is being targeted now more than ever. It contains precious metals and those metals are getting more expensive. The report come from CARFAX, who put together a list of the top vehicles for car theft in Florida.
So, what is a catalytic converter? CARFAX says, “Catalytic converters are a key component of a car’s emissions control system, reducing the amount of pollution coming out of the tailpipe. They transform hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides – the bad stuff – into oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.” Inside the catalytic converter there are precious metals like: palladium, rhodium, and platinum.
Catalytic converters have been on cars since 1975. Electric cars don’t have them because they don’t have an exhaust system. It also doesn’t take long to remove it. A small saw can remove it in less than 60 seconds.
How to prevent thieves from stealing it? Experts say to buy a catalytic converter anti-theft device. It is a metal plate that shops can add on to your car. You can also get your VIN number engraved on the converter. That makes it much tougher for the thief to sell it.
Last year, the Florida Legislature passed a bill making it a third-degree felony for a person to knowingly possess, purchase, sell or install a stolen catalytic converter.
Hillsborough County’s Effort To Combat Auto And Retail Theft
From new info from the HSCO in a Feb 2024 email…The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced in 2023 that they will make permanent their auto theft and retail theft task forces. They were initially established to address the rising concerns about auto theft and retail theft in Hillsborough County. Both of those squads met or exceeded their expectations so they decided to become permanent.
“With their newly permanent status, the Auto Theft Squad and Retail Theft Squad will continue to build on their incredible accomplishments, further strengthening their impact on crime prevention and law enforcement efforts in our county,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “As Sheriff, I look forward to the continued success of these squads as they play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and well-being of our Hillsborough County residents.”
[SOURCE: ABC Action News]
Launa is part of Tampa Bay's Hometown Morning Krewe on 99.5 WQYK. She has been with the station for 7 years and joined J.R. and Kevin on the morning show 4 years ago. Since then, they have been nominated for not only a CMA but also an ACM. Launa has been in radio for the past 28 years and in the Tampa Bay market for 22 of those years. While working in radio, Launa has also served as an entertainment reporter on a local TV show and has hosted many charity events in the community. Using her popularity from QYK, Launa loves to help raise money for shelter animals and has been a volunteer at local shelters for years. Launa loves the community and writes articles on local news, entertainment, and events and highlights people who are shining in Tampa Bay that she knows others like her would also be interested in reading.
