I think it is neat because I can charge a golf cart at my home and use it for short errands around town, never having to worry about filling it up with gas.
I did a little googling about licensing and I found at least one state, AZ, requires you to have a license on your golf cart and a license to drive it, if you drive it on a public road. I would think other states perhaps similar requirements, including perhaps an insurance requirement.
With that being said, I think it is a neat way to save money and not worry about the cost of gas.
As far as your argument about careless drivers, well, that is another issue, but it does not mean these golf carts cannot be a blessing to many people.
Golf cart have no lights, no signals, no seat belts, no horn, no license plates, no windshield wipers, no side impact protection or airbags. Lastly, don’t all states require insurance. If I am not mistaken, a car has to have all of these things in operational condition in order to operate on our roads. Why is a golf cart exempt? What happens when a golf cart runs over a pedestrian? If we use this logic, I should be able to use a dirtbike or a gocart to run my errands.
I live in SC and see golf carts everywhere in my neighborhood. It’s the norm. Folks who drive them are responsible and careful. No problems. It’s a way of life. I want one!!
In AZ, I believe the “golf cart” must be registered as a NEV - Neighborhood Electric Vehicle - and is limited to roads signposted at 35 mph or less. They do have limited safety equipment such as lights, seat belts and wipers.
Towns may have specific ordinances allowing true golf carts to use bike lanes or roads, but only in smaller areas.
There were a lot around since the state "gave" them away for 100% tax credit around 2000.