Amusement parks are filled with fun, food and excitement. Never in a million years would you think about the unfortunate possibility of being injured, or worse, from an amusement park ride.
Yet it happens more often than you think.
Just this past July, at the Ohio State Fair, one person died and seven more were injured due to a mid-air seat detachment from a ride called the Fire Ball.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that 30,900 injuries caused by amusement park attractions were seen by hospital emergency departments in 2016 alone. Those injured are out of millions of people who visit carnivals, fairs and festivals each year.
Since 2010, the CPSC reports that there have been 22 fatalities caused by thrill rides.
Inspections are intended to help cut down on the number of accidents and injuries, but that’s not always the case.
The Fire Ball ride from the above account was inspected thoroughly 3 or 4 times before the fair opened that day.
Do Your Part To Ensure You and Your Child’s Safety
So what can you do? Ban your kids from going on any rides?
Sure, that’s one way to do it. But that probably won’t go over too well…
Don’t assume that the rides are safe and have been inspected. Learn in your state how rides are inspected, by whom, and how often, so that you may make an informed decision.
If you do allow your children to go to amusement parks, carnivals, etc. and go on rides, here are some ways to help ensure their safety:
- Always read and obey posted height, age, weight and health restrictions
- Make sure to follow any special seating order and/or loading instructions
- Always use safety equipment such as seat belts and safety bars.
- Make sure your children keep hands and feet inside the ride at all times
- Know your child – if you don’t think he/she will be able to follow the rules, keep him/her off the ride.
- Trust your instincts – if you’re worried about the safety of the ride, choose a different activity.
- Avoid “mall rides” if they’re over a hard, unpadded surface, or if they don’t have a child restraint such as a seat belt.