Christopher Faulk, 46, of Charleston, died in a single-vehicle golf cart accident on January 10, 2026, around 7 p.m. in the Drayton on the Ashley subdivision off Ashley River Road. Deputies found the cart overturned on the 2800 block of South Palmer Drive after high-speed turning ejected and trapped Faulk underneath. This marks the fourth golf cart-related fatality in Charleston County in recent years, per Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal, following two overturns and the 2023 Folly Beach collision that killed a bride.
Key Details from Investigation
- Location: 1.6 miles from the nearest golf course, in a residential area.
- Response: Firefighters and officers secured the scene; EMS pronounced Faulk dead on-site.
- Witness Account: Neighbor Alan L. Wilson, a Charleston City Paper deliverer, saw emergency lights and responders examining the area from his nearby driveway.
- Contact: Call Charleston County Sheriff’s Office at (843) 202-1700 with tips.
Golf Cart Safety Trends in Lowcountry
Golf carts are surging in popularity on Charleston-area roads, as noted in a 2024 City Paper story and by Charleston Police Sgt. Christopher Stinson. However, they lack seat belts, sturdy frames, and other car safety features, raising risks when sharing roads with heavier vehicles. Resident Wilson highlighted common violations like overcrowding, young drivers, speeding, and lap-held children, calling them “accidents waiting to happen.”
South Carolina Golf Cart Regulations
All golf carts count as motor vehicles under S.C. Department of Public Safety (DPS) rules. Here’s a breakdown:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurance & Licensing | Must be insured; valid driver’s license required (no minors under licensing age). |
| Road & Speed Limits | Only on roads ≤35 mph; within 4 miles of driver’s home; no sidewalks. |
| Permitting | State permit decal required (no license plate needed). |
| Operation Rules | Daylight hours only; pay parking meters; no commercial use in Charleston (e.g., taxis); banned from city garages unless emergency. |
Local officials pushed for stricter enforcement in 2024 but haven’t added new ordinances. This incident underscores the need for compliance to curb fatalities. If you’re in the Lowcountry following local safety news, have you noticed more golf carts on roads near you, or do you have questions about related regs in other areas?
