Amusement Parks – The Dangerous Side Of Attractions

There is no shortage of tragic events these days when you turn on the news. Recently, several children have been victims of theme park accidents and have suffered injuries and even death. From the boy who was fatally injured on a water ride, to several who fell from a Ferris wheel, to the latest one – a boy who fell out of a roller coaster in Western Pennsylvania – parents and families of these injured children are reeling from these damages, not just physically, in the children’s cases, but mentally and emotionally as well. In this latest incident, the boy was riding an old wooden coaster with his brother; the coaster does not have seat belts and there is no indication from reports of whether the injured boy met the ride’s height requirements. In at least several of these ride accidents, early indications are that the rides malfunctioned in some way.

Amusement Park Yearly Accident Rates

Though none of these most recent incidents took place in Florida, our state is no stranger to amusement park accidents. As one of the states in the U.S. with an abundance of amusement parks, people flock to Florida year-round to take part in the fun. Along with the fun, however, is an element of danger – and for some, this is part of the attraction. The dangers associated with theme park rides cannot be ignored, though – according to the statistics, there are between four and five thousand injuries in amusement parks every year. While we typically think of the wilder rides such as roller coasters being the most dangerous, any ride can present its own set of dangers and can cause injuries ranging from mild bumps and bruises to the most serious – death.

Keeping Children Safe On Rides

There are various precautions that parents, guardians, and caregivers can take to keep children safe on amusement park rides. First is to always obey and safety instructions provided for the ride including getting on and off the ride as well as during the ride. Following the written and verbal instructions posted and announced by the ride operators is imperative. Always be sure to use the provided safety equipment such as safety bars and restraints. They are there for a reason and that reason is to help ensure your safe ride. Teaching children to keep their arms and legs inside the ride – and setting an example by following this advice yourself – helps children to learn how to ride safely. If you don’t think the child is able to follow these rules, they should not be allowed to ride, for their own safety.

Contact Us for Professional Help

Hopefully your trip to the amusement park will be a fun day for everyone. If things do take a turn for the worst, though, know that the Fort Lauderdale legal professionals at Boone & Davis are here to help. Our theme park accident attorneys have experience fighting for the rights of personal injury victims who have suffered losses as a result of a variety of amusement park ride accidents and will help you to obtain the best recovery possible. Let us help you get the results you deserve. Contact us online or call 954.556.5260 today to set up your no cost, no obligation consultation.