Debra Overholt was on her way to pick up her young son from day care when she became Peachtree City's first golf cart fatality nearly three years ago.

The 36-year-old stay-at-home mom from Tyrone was a passenger in a cart driven by her brother-in-law on Sept. 22, 2005, when she was tossed from the vehicle on a sharp left turn near Willowbend Road and Ga. 54.

W.A. BRIDGES JR./AJC file (ENLARGE)

This spot on the trails of Peachtree City is where Debra Overholt died in September 2005 when she was tossed from a cart driven by her brother-in-law. It was the city's first golf-cart fatality.

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Overholt died from the severe head injuries suffered when she hit the pavement.

Her death came as big news to a Peachtree City community that prides itself on its more than 9,000 registered golf cart users and 90 miles of paths.

Half the residents who own carts don't even play golf.

The tragedy was one of the most extreme examples of the rising number of accidents involving golf carts, according to findings of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The magazine's June issue reports that golf-cart-related injuries skyrocketed more than 132 percent between 1990 and 2006. More than 147,000 people, varying in age from 2 months to 96, were injured in golf cart accidents over that 17-year span, according to the journal.

Overholt's was one of seven deaths nationally in the 17 years. An investigation determined her death to be an accident, and no charges were filed.

Golf carts are "very convenient," her husband, Richard Overholt, said, "but, yeah, people do fall out of there a lot. People don't really expect such severe consequences when they do fall out."

Once limited to a more traditional setting at the golf course, motorized carts have become more popular as a means of transportation at sporting events, hospitals, airports, college campuses and the like.

Peachtree City's maze of paths and heavy reliance on golf carts as a primary means of transportation have helped transform it into one of the nation's most attractive retirement communities.

Golf carts are also a big hit with the general Peachtree City population. Paths can also be found in Fayetteville and, to a lesser extent, in Tyrone as soaring gasoline prices make that option even more attractive.

As their popularity has quickly risen, so too have the overall abilities of the golf carts.

Typically unregulated by the federal government, they're now faster and more powerful than ever, with newer models capable of reaching speeds up to 25 mph.

Naturally, a rise in injuries would follow

In 1990, there were an estimated 5,772 golf cart-related injuries, according to the study. That number climbed to an estimated 13,411 by 2006, an increase of more than 132 percent.

"We've definitely had more injuries," said Martha Akin, a Peachtree City resident and former emergency room nurse.

Falls from golf carts and overturns were the leading causes of injury. Injuries to the legs and feet were the most common, followed by fractures to the hands and feet.

The head and neck were the most commonly injured body parts among children, the study showed.

Peachtree City officials have long stressed the need for diligence when it comes to golf cart use.

"People need to be aware the rules of the road kind of apply to the rules of the cart," said city Police Chief H.C. "Skip" Clark II.

Yet the efforts of authorities are often hampered by the fact that there is no seat belt requirement and that users don't need a driver's license to operate a golf cart.

There had been 21 golf cart accidents in Peachtree City through the end of May, according to city police records.

Just 14 such accidents were reported in all of 2002.

The city reported 30 golf cart accidents throughout 2007, resulting in 29 injuries.

An elderly bicyclist died in October 2006 after colliding with a golf cart on a city path.

Nonetheless, a recent stroll through city grounds revealed few kids or even adults using seat belts.

"People have to be careful," said Maj. R.M. Dupree of the Peachtree City Police Department.

"They have to realize they're not just recreational vehicles or toys. They are motor vehicles," Dupree said.

Peachtree City appears, however, to be ahead of most locales in how it treats the phenomenon.

All golf carts must be registered with the city. Carts may be driven by 16-year-olds with or without a driver's license, unless that license has been suspended or revoked.

Children at least 15 years old can drive carts with a valid learner's permit. Those younger than 15 must be accompanied in the front seat by a parent, grandparent or guardian. Nobody younger than 12 is permitted to drive a cart.

Carts aren't allowed to go faster than 20 mph.

Peachtree City authorities take seriously their responsibility to maintain the integrity and safety of the paths.

There have been a number of golf cart traffic stops on the paths because of various violations, including the 2003 arrest of City Manager Bernie McMullen for DUI and even the detaining of a blind man and his seeing-eye dog for DUI and reckless conduct back in 1998.

City residents readily agreed with the need for more caution when operating carts, but they were equally as adamant in insisting the vehicle's benefits easily outweigh risks.

"You just have to drive defensively," said Peachtree City resident Gene Walling, "just like you do with a car."