Amarillo Parents Asked To Watch For This Neighborhood Danger

We have entered that time of year in Amarillo, where the weather is getting warmer, and more people are out and about in the neighborhoods. It seems more and more people have found different ways to get around in those neighborhoods, and the Amarillo Police Department wants to remind parents of the dangers.

Amarillo Police Seeing More Calls About Kids Driving Vehicles

The Amarillo Police Department says it has started receiving more calls about certain vehicles being driven in neighborhoods around Amarillo.

Maybe the family has a golf cart parked in the garage, and it seems easy for the kids to hop on and scoot over to their friend's house a block away. Or the go kart just needs to hit the road and zoom. And yes, mom's moped probably looks pretty fun too.

Read More: Watch Out! Here are the Most Common Speed Traps in Amarillo

Are Go Karts And Golf Carts Street Legal In Amarillo

Unfortunately, those types of vehicles aren't street legal. Golf carts should not be driven on public streets. There are certain exceptions in a few neighborhoods, but if yours isn't one of them, then it's not allowed. If you have a moped they must meet all the legal requirements and licensing laws, and go karts are only allowed in certain areas and not on neighborhood streets.

Read More: When Police Can Legally Look Inside Your Car in Texas

Why Driving These Vehicles In Neighborhoods Can Be Dangerous

I'ts not safe. These vehicles usually have an unlicensed driver operating them. Mixing these vehicles with cars and trucks can quickly lead to accidents. Many of our neighborhoods connect to busier streets, and traffic has grown a lot in Amarillo.

Amarillo Parents Asked To Talk With Kids About Safety

If you are a parent, it's probably time to have a conversation with your kids about being safe while using these vehicles and where it is appropriate to ride them.

Safer Ways Kids Can Get Around The Neighborhood

Getting outside in warm weather is something every kid should do. Bikes are still a great option for getting from one block to another or heading down to the park.