Summer is a time when many families flock to amusement parks to enjoy the nice weather and experience a few thrills. But, when amusement park rides fail, a carefree day can become a tragedy. After a recent accident in Ohio in which an amusement park ride failed, some have been questioning whether amusement park rides are safe. According to CNN, 30,000 people were injured on amusement park rides in 2016. However, data is only collected on amusement parks that have fixed locations. For state fairs that move from city to city, data is harder to track down. Lack of consistent regulation of amusement parks, and workers being required to put in long hours operating rides, may also be putting fair goers at risk.
The Washington Post reported on the reason the ride in Ohio failed. When the ride was later inspected, inspectors discovered corrosion in the interior of the ride. The thickness of th beam that supported the ride was narrowed due to corrosion. The ride was 18 years old. Despite this, inspectors noted that the Fire Ball ride had been inspected several times over the past year.
So, why did inspections fail to reveal the interior corrosion? Rain and flooding before the fair opened delayed inspections, but inspections may not be considering interior components or wear and tear that can make a seemingly structurally sound ride unsafe. Another inspector explained that once rides are assembled at state fairs, they are only visually inspected once. It is possible that inspectors are looking for errors in construction of the rides and not for significant structural failures that can result in injuries or tragedies.
In fact, one inspector told CNN that the more rigorous testing that uses X-rays, ultrasound, or a mag-particle are generally only performed after a ride has been taken apart and is being looked at in a warehouse, not when the ride is assembled and riders are about to get on it.
It is unclear whether the tragedy on the Fire Ball ride will change how inspections are performed.
So, what can you do to avoid personal injury on amusement park rides this summer? Many accidents occur not due to rider failure, but due to human error. Follow height, weight, and health limitations and follow all instructions provided by ride operators. Use safety equipment and make sure your equipment is properly secured before your operator starts the ride. Parents should use discretion when allowing children to ride, even if they meet age and height limitations. Children can become injured if they don’t follow instructions.
Finally, if you or a loved one has been injured on an amusement park ride in Dallas, Texas contact the personal injury lawyer at the Law Office of Robert Gregg. Our firm can review the factors leading up to your accident and hold amusement park owners or operators accountable for their actions. You and your loved ones may be entitled to receive money to cover your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.