Amusement Park Injuries
Amusement parks are a filled with rides that are meant to excite and scare you; but what happens if one of the thrill-inducing rides actually leads to a catastrophic injury? While amusement park rides are generally safe and fun, there is always a risk of injury. By understanding risks that are involved with amusement parks and their various rides, you can further lower the chance of any potential accident from occurring.
Amusement Park Standards
Amusement parks and their rides are heavily governed by not only state laws, but also by industry standards to insure that rides are safe. Since 1978, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has issued a formal set of international standards for amusement rides that all amusement parks must follow in order to keep their patrons safe. Several standards are required by the ASTM, including ride inspections, maintenance schedules, the design of ride restraints, and height requirements.
– Mechanical Operations: Due to the high number of standards and regulations, the chance of a mechanical failure on an amusement park ride is rare. However, things always can happen, and if you are on a ride that seems unstable or unsafe, you should depart as soon as possible.
– Ride Operators: Ride operators generally do more than just lead a person to their seat on the ride and help when the ride is over. Most newer and modern rides have built-in fail-safe technology that prevents a ride from starting unless all safety restraints are in place and properly fastened, and the track is clear of any possible dangers. However, older rides may rely on the operator’s own visual inspection to insure that the ride is safe. Ride operators are also responsible for using the emergency stops for most of the rides in case something goes wrong after the ride has already started.
– Height and Weight Considerations: Sometimes height or weight requirements may seem like nuisances that prevent you or a loved one from riding something you want to, but always remember that these requirements are put in place for a reason. Never try to sneak yourself or someone else onto a ride in which they do not meet these requirements, as it may prevent the safety restraints from working effectively.
– Physical Condition of a Rider: When approaching a ride at an amusement park, you generally see signs that list risks and warnings for people who have certain medical conditions. These warnings are generally in place to not only to reduce the liability for the park, but also for the safety of their patrons. If you have a medical condition, it is important to know the risks of riding an amusement park ride and to talk to a doctor to see if riding is safe for you.
– Rider Behavior: Many amusement park accidents are caused by either the intentional or unintentional behavior of the riders. Some patrons may panic, or some be goof around with friends or other patrons. It is important that you pay attention to signs and what the amusement park operators tell you regarding how to properly ride and to not let anyone else’s behavior prevent you from keeping you safe.
Were You Injured at an Amusement Park?
Were you a victim of an amusement park injury? If you live in the Fort Lauderdale area and have been injured while at an amusement park, you do not have to face this alone. Call the attorneys at Boone & Davis today. We are prepared to help you in any way possible.
