Amusement Park Ride Safety

Part of the lure of many of these rides is that brush with danger thrill rides provide. The risk factor on these rides isn’t just for show; the danger associated with many amusement park rides is real. While major accidents make national headlines, individual injuries at parks and carnivals often go all but unnoticed. Injuries due to amusement park rides can cause serious, life-altering injuries. Before heading out for a day full of fun and thrills, check out our information on amusement ride safety, and how to prevent injuries.

Injuries Due to Amusement Park Rides

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) reports that more than 315 million people have visited one of the 400+ amusement parks located throughout the country. The IAAPA downplays the dangers of amusement park rides, and has conducted studies showing that amusement parks provide one of the safest forms of recreation to the general public. However, according to the Amusement Safety Organization, an independent non-profit that compiles incident reports on amusement park injuries, last year alone there were 85 significant injuries at Carowinds, an amusement park in North Carolina, and over 124 injuries at Six Flags Over Georgia, both popular destinations for South Carolinians. Injuries reported include:

• Head and neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Shoulder pulls and strains
• Loss of sensation in extremities
• Chest pain and pressure causing difficulty breathing

In addition to the above, minor incidents involving cuts, lacerations, dizziness, fainting, and bloody noses were reported, and more major accidents, such as falls and electrocutions, cause serious injuries and even fatalities each year at various amusement parks throughout the country.

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Amusement Park Safety

Safer Parks is a non-profit group that works to prevent amusement park ride injuries and fatalities. They suggest the following safety tips to avoid injuries on amusement park rides:

• Obey posted rules and restrictions on all rides
• For children, make sure the ride is appropriate for the child’s age
• Securely latch all safety restraints and use grab bars
• Don’t get up or remove safety harnesses before the ride has ended
• Don’t board a ride is it looks poorly maintained or if the operator is inattentive

Of course, beware of using alcoholic beverages while riding, and take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water between rides.

Contact Our Experienced South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to an amusement park ride, contact our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Anastopoulo Law Firm. With offices in Charleston and throughout South Carolina, we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today for a free review of your case.