3 local teens hurt in golf cart accident

By Carrie A. Mizell

Three teenagers were taken to the hospital on Sunday afternoon after a golf cart collided with a motorcycle on County Road 232.
Andrew W. Martin, 18, of Trenton was reportedly driving a 2003 E-Z-Go golf cart north on 232 along the bike lane portion of the highway.
A 2007 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by Lee P. Jones, 18, of Trenton was also traveling north on 232, when it came upon the golf cart from behind. Jones steered the motorcycle into the southbound lane, apparently trying to pass the golf cart.
According to Trooper Alan Harrison of the Florida Highway Patrol, Martin began to change lanes as well, crossing into the southbound lane as the motorcycle was passing. As a result, the front of the motorcycle struck the left rear of the golf cart.
Ben D. Jones, 18, of Bell, was a passenger in the golf cart at the time of the incident. According to Harrison, Ben Jones jumped from the golf cart just before the crash, landing on the highway and rolling north on 232.
The golf cart and motorcycle stayed connected after the initial impact, traveling in a northwesterly direction before separating. Martin was reportedly still on the golf cart when it came to a final stop, but Lee Jones was thrown from the motorcycle.
Martin incurred minor injuries in the accident, while his passenger, Ben Jones also reportedly suffered minor injuries. Both teenagers were taken to North Florida Regional where they were treated and released.
Lee Jones, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Shands Hospital.
Martin was charged with improper lane change, and improper operation of a golf cart on a county road.