Amusement Parks – All Fun And Games Until Someone Gets Hurt
Florida is home to some of the country’s best amusement parks. The entertainment options are nearly limitless – not just in parks to choose from to begin with, but also in the rides and attractions offered at each park itself. There is something for everyone, young and old, and at the end of the day it is difficult to find anyone who has not had a great time at the park. At one Florida park, however, guests had an atypical amusement park experience when they were evacuated from their ride by the Orlando Fire Department. Fortunately, no one was physically injured in this incident, the ‘technical glitch’ that caused the ride to stop was corrected, and the ride reopened within a few hours.
Amusement Park Safety
According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), amusement parks are one of the safest forms of entertainment available and, according to the most recent report produced by the National Safety Council for IAAPA, accident rates for amusement parks in the United States overall have decreased substantially in the last decade. While this trend of increased safety and decreased incidents is a positive trend for both amusement park patrons as well as the parks themselves, a continued effort to improve safety is in everyone’s best interest.
What Measures Can I Take To Protect Myself?
Accidents will happen, but aside from just not going on the rides at all, there are some measures that park patrons can take to keep themselves as safe as possible while still being able to enjoy the rides and attractions at the park. According to IAAPA, the park patron’s failure to follow safety guidelines causes the majority of the injuries suffered by riders. Amusement park patrons can protect themselves by following a few tips:
- Pay attention to and follow ride restrictions and ride safety rules;
- Keep yourself inside the ride at all times;
- Stay seated until the ride operator tells you to disembark the ride;
- Follow instructions provided by ride operators;
- Use safety equipment such as seat belts or safety restraints properly;
- Pay special attention to making sure children follow the safety rules and ride properly; and
- Report any observed unsafe conditions immediately.
It is important to remember that the posted rules and regulations are there for a reason – most likely as a result of someone else suffering an injury that may have been preventable.
Contact Us for Help Today
Unfortunately, despite riders’ strict adherence to ride safety rules and regulations, amusement park accidents are still going to occur. When they do, turn to the legal professionals at Boone & Davis. Our theme park accident attorneys have a wide variety of experience dealing with cases involving injuries suffered by theme park patrons and know how to manage your case in the way to ensure the best possible results. Feel confident that you have the best representation available by contacting us today. Call us at 954.556.5260 or visit us online to get started today.
