Around here the ATV's are almost always being operated in a reckless manner. Usually they are traveling from trespassing on one piece of property in order to trespass on another.Owners of ATV's seldom own enough property to satisfy the habit of their riders,or to test the climbing ability of the machne. So they look for other places to ride.
The Golf carts are mostly driven by older folks traveling between homes visiting or picking up their mail and are mostly more dangerous to their occupants ,because of their slower speed than to anyone else. Although some kids use them to go meet the bus when they live on a back road they are speed limited and not so dangerous. They dont go in the woods because of design limitations.
One would have to admit that the golf carts seldom break any speeding laws, and seldom are operated recklessly. Golf carts are also quiet and dont disturb the peace.
I keep reading of people gettin injured badly or even dying on ATV's ,but havent read an article yet of any old fogey getting injured on a golf cart. Golf carts are much more socially acceptable.
I have been told that the John Deere "Gator" is legal on the highway if you have the slow-moving triangle on one, not sure of that though.
Certainly the fact that these vehicles are unlicensed and therefore make no money for the state is a major reason for taking them off the roads, insuranc is another,but ATV's that travel at speeds up to 60 -70 mph no seat belts ,inadequate brakes, tires that are not designed for high speed ,no tail lights ,some have roll bars, other have no protection at all, and usually some 12 or 15 year old driving like a bat out of hell are dangerous on the highway, or anywhere else for that matter.
They are a pleasant recreational tool when used responsibly, but when kids get out of sight of Mom and Dad, they do what kids do. They test these machines to their limits,and many of them get hurt. Hunters find them to be great for getting to the hunting spot and hauling out their game.,but usually the hunter takes it to the woods on a trailer and that hunter has permission from land owners to use their property.
I dont own either of these vehicles so I dont have a card in this game, just giving my thoughts. Personally before I would buy either ,I would buy a dual purpose motorcycle of about 250 cc and license it and then go anywhere the ATV can go, and ride on the road , and do it legally .