Happiest Place on Earth? Not for the family of a small boy who died suddenly on a popular ride at Disney World’s Epcot Center. Their ride, known as Mission: Space is a space flight simulator which spins guests fast enough to create a feeling of weightlessness. It is interesting to note that this ride comes equipped with motion sickness bags for those who can’t handle the g-force created. Millions of people visit amusement parks every year, including 328 million people last year alone. The question remains - are these rides safe for you or your children to ride?
Regarding the most recent death at a Disney Resort, Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Polak said, “We believe the ride is safe in its current configuration.” But what is safe for most people most of the time was not safe for those injured or killed on one of these rides. The amusement ride industry has said that riding thrill rides is safer than bowling, bobbing your head, having a pillow fight, sitting in a chair, or sneezing. Although the official cause of death of this boy will not be known for several weeks, his death has sparked many questions and concerns about safety at amusement parks.
So how many people actually die in an amusement park ride related accidents? According to the Consumer Product and Safety Commission, the rate of death resulting from amusement park rides is approximately one in 250 million riders. To read comprehensive accident reports and related news visit RideAccident. According to SaferParks, a consumer’s guide to safety at amusement parks and carnivals, “accurate nationwide data on U.S. amusement ride injuries doesn’t exist because the industry lobbyists and federal lawmakers have agreed not to collect it.” Because there is no independent data regarding the actual number of injuries caused by rides every year one must be quite cautious when preparing, or shall I say daring, to board.
What responsibilities do operators of these rides have? Rides are regulated through federal, state, and local laws but presently there is a loophole in the law that prevents federal officials from participating in amusement park accident investigations. Depending on the size and mobility of the park or carnival, different laws apply. The amusement ride industry has also developed a set of engineering standards through the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). For information regarding Amusement Park Liability visit LegalCenter. While these safety standards and regulations are, to say the least, important they do not create accountability or ensure compliance.
Despite all of these concerns I know at least one individual who will be, cautiously but excitedly, sitting in the bobsleds this summer…Me. Ride carefully.
By Lisa Zanassi
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