Safety Tips for Visitors and Park Operators
Amusement parks are places of fun, excitement, and lifelong memories. With thrilling rides, carnival games, and family entertainment, they attract millions of visitors every year. However, despite safety regulations and engineering standards, amusement ride accidents can still occur — and when they do, they can lead to serious injuries or worse.
Whether you’re a park operator or a visitor, safety should always be a top priority. Here, we’ll provide comprehensive strategies to avoid amusement ride accidents, how both guests and amusement park managers can contribute to a safer experience, and what industry trends are emerging to reduce risk.
Why Amusement Ride Safety Matters
Each year, amusement parks generate billions in revenue worldwide. Along with this growth comes increasing pressure to ensure ride safety and minimize risks. Even one serious incident can damage a park’s reputation and cause financial and legal consequences. Recently, two days ago, there was a roller coaster accident in Knightly’s Funfair in Towyn. Two riders were injured after roller coaster cart crashed off track.
According to IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), fixed-site amusement rides have a low injury rate, but preventable accidents still occur. That’s why awareness, education, and action are essential.
Common Causes of Ride Accidents
To prevent amusement ride accidents, it’s important to understand their typical causes:
- Mechanical Failure: Worn-out parts, outdated technology, or manufacturing defects.
- Operator Error: Lack of training, misjudgment, or negligence during operation.
- Rider Misbehavior: Standing up, unbuckling seat belts, or ignoring instructions.
- Poor Maintenance: Inadequate inspections, missing parts, or delayed repairs.
- Improper Restraints: Faulty or unsuitable restraint systems for a rider’s size.
- Overloading or Exceeding Capacity: Letting too many riders on at once.
- Weather Conditions: High winds, rain, or lightning affecting ride stability.
Safety Tips for Park Rides Visitors
1. Follow All Posted Rules and Warnings
Always read and follow ride instruction signs. These include height requirements, health restrictions, and behavior rules. If in doubt, ask a ride operator.
2. Stay Seated and Buckled
Never stand up or unbuckle your harness or seat belt during a ride. This is one of the most common causes of accidents on thrill rides and roller coasters.
3. Supervise Children Closely
Keep an eye on kids at all times. Make sure they understand ride rules and are tall enough to participate. Don’t pressure young children onto rides they’re afraid of.
4. Don’t Force a Ride If You Have Health Issues
People with heart conditions, back problems, recent surgeries, or pregnancy should avoid high-speed or high-impact rides. Ignoring these warnings can be dangerous.
5. Avoid Loose Items
Remove hats, sunglasses, and unsecured objects. Many accidents happen due to flying objects hitting others or interfering with ride mechanisms.
6. Report Unsafe Conditions
If you notice broken restraints, wet seats, loose bolts, or ride issues, alert staff immediately.
Best Practices for Ride Operators and Theme Parks
1. Train Staff Thoroughly
All operators must be trained in:
- Start-up/shut-down procedures
- Emergency response protocols
- Rider loading and unloading
- Height and weight enforcement
- Recognizing health conditions and risky behavior
2. Enforce Height and Safety Limits
Enforcing height and health restrictions can be unpopular, but it saves lives. Never allow exceptions, even under pressure from guests.
3. Use Backup Safety Features
Install fail-safes like dual restraints, auto-stop sensors, and surveillance cameras for additional layers of protection.
4. Conduct Pre-Operation Checks
Inspect all safety systems before daily operation. This includes:
- Seat belts and harness locks
- Control panel functionality
- Communication devices
- Brakes, wheels, and motor systems
5. Ensure Clear Communication
Ride attendants should use radios or hand signals to coordinate. Miscommunication between staff is a leading cause of errors during loading/unloading.
Ride Maintenance and Inspection Procedures
Preventative maintenance is the key to long-term ride safety. Establish a clear schedule that includes:
- Daily inspections before opening
- Weekly technical checks on components like bearings, motors, and hydraulics
- Monthly mechanical reviews including non-visible internal wear
- Annual third-party audits to meet national safety standards
Always follow manufacturer guidelines and local regulations.
Record-Keeping Is Critical
Document all inspections and repairs. In the event of an accident, these records will protect the park from legal action and prove compliance.
Child Safety on Amusement Rides
Children are more vulnerable than adults due to their smaller size, lack of experience, and inability to judge risk. Here’s how to keep kids safe:
- Verify age and height before every ride
- Use booster seats or child-sized restraints when available
- Educate kids on behavior rules in a fun, engaging way
- Don’t leave children unattended in ride queues or stations
- Avoid thrill rides for younger kids, even if they barely meet the height
Technology Advancements Improving Ride Safety
The amusement industry has embraced smart safety systems to reduce accidents:
IoT Sensors
Sensors track wear and performance in real time. They alert operators to component failures before accidents happen.
AI-Powered Surveillance
AI cameras can detect unsafe rider behavior, overloading, or mechanical issues and send alerts to staff.
RFID Wristbands
Wristbands help track rider eligibility (height, age, medical conditions) and speed up ride access.
Automated Restraints
Modern rides use sensors to confirm restraints are locked before movement is allowed. Some systems also auto-adjust to body size.
Legal Responsibilities and Liability
Amusement parks must comply with strict legal and insurance guidelines to protect guests and reduce liability:
- Follow ASTM International standards for ride design, maintenance, and inspection
- Meet local government safety regulations
- Carry liability insurance in case of injury claims
- Post clear safety signage and include disclaimers where necessary
- Respond quickly and professionally to all reported injuries or incidents
Failure to uphold safety measures can lead to lawsuits, park closures, and permanent reputation damage.
Shared Responsibility for a Safer Park Experience
Amusement ride safety is a shared responsibility. Park operators must maintain the highest safety standards and invest in training, inspections, and modern technology. Visitors should be vigilant, follow instructions, and act responsibly.
By promoting a culture of safety and awareness, amusement parks can reduce accidents and continue to offer joyful, thrilling experiences to guests of all ages.