Safety Information: U.S. Amusement Park Rides

Summertime is a wonderful opportunity for families to have fun at amusement parks or carnivals and spend quality time together. These places offer great fun for all ages, but they can also pose significant dangers. Injuries on amusement park rides can range from minor incidents like a stubbed toe to severe accidents including dismemberment and even death if proper safety precautions are not followed.

In the United States, an estimated 30,000 injuries related to amusement parks are treated in emergency rooms each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). While the majority of these injuries are minor, such as cuts and bruises, serious injuries and fatalities do occur. From 2010 to 2017, the CPSC reported 22 fatalities involving amusement rides, excluding water parks and waterslides, which is about 2–3 per year on average.

Since amusement park rides are not subject to federal safety regulations regarding child restraints, it falls on parents to ensure their children’s safety. Parents are the first line of defense when it comes to amusement park safety. Here are some crucial tips from the National Safety Council to help you ensure a safe and enjoyable amusement park ride experience:

1. Conduct your own inspection: Look around the ride area. Is the ride clean and well-maintained? Do the ride operators appear professional and competent? A thorough inspection can give you peace of mind.
2. Check your restraints: Buckle any seatbelt, make sure your lap bar or horse collar locks down, and visually inspect pins and door latches. If you notice any issues, notify the operator before the ride begins.
3. Listen to and follow warnings and instructions: Always stay seated and keep away from tracks and machinery. Heed all safety instructions given by the ride operators.
4. Follow height restrictions: “You must be this tall” restrictions are based on the size and position of the ride’s restraint system. It’s better for your child to suffer temporary disappointment than a serious injury that could last a lifetime.
5. Respect all posted restrictions: Don’t assume the park is exaggerating the danger. These restrictions are in place for your safety.
6. Stay seated: Don’t stand up on roller coasters or other rides. Standing on a sit-down roller coaster puts your center of gravity too high, increasing the risk of being thrown from the ride.
7. Don’t rock the boat: Adding extra motion to the ride can create unnecessary risks. Let the natural motion of the ride provide your fun.
8. Don’t drink and ride: Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired judgment can lead to dangerous situations.
9. Know when to quit: Stop riding before you or your child become excessively tired. Fatigue can impair judgment and reaction times.
10. Don’t stay silent: Report all problems to the amusement park. Your feedback can help improve safety for everyone.

According to a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children are particularly vulnerable to amusement park ride injuries. Between 1990 and 2010, more than 92,000 children under the age of 18 were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries related to amusement park rides. The study emphasizes the importance of adult supervision and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent these injuries.

By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your family’s trip to the amusement park is both enjoyable and safe. Remember, safety always comes first!

For more information on amusement park safety, you can visit the following resources:

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• National Safety Council (NSC)
• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)