Federal/State Partnership Will Improve Safety

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission needs the funding and ability to assist state jurisdictions with amusement ride safety.  Although the amusement industry has a very good proven safety record, Representative Markey’s bill takes a positive federal step toward improving amusement safety nationally. 

Some states have very good programs and are good examples demonstrating that increased regulation results in safer rides.  As the jurisdictional chief for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I have seen a clear difference in safety as the level and quality of oversight has been stepped up in the Commonwealth.  It is very important that the Federal Government work with state jurisidictions and not preempt great state programs. 

A federal agency with the clear objective to develop a national amusement device tracking system for all states to use would be a great step forward.  This would include the requirement that each device use a national tracking identification numbering system, such as the USID number currently encouraged and promoted by the Council for Amusement and Recreational Equipment Safety (CARES). Information sharing between jurisdictions is very important particularly if a ride is issued safety violations in one state then the ride moves to another state.  Such a system would alert jurisdictions of impending troubles.  Many states, particularly those who communicate through CARES as well as the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) see the benefits of safety through this type of communication. 

Giving the Federal Government the authority to investigate amusement accidents with state jurisdictions, along with the authority to order a company to make approriate changes to ensure safety on a particular ride across the nation, is important. 

For states that have little or no state inspectional programs, increased authority by the USCPSC will help save lives.

Rep. Markey's bill is only seeking $500,000.  That is not enough to create a national tracking system or to give the CPSC what they need to do the job right.  I call on Congress to not only pass Representative Markey’s bill, but to also increase the funding to only $3,000,000 and specifically earmark the funding for amusement ride safety. 

What is that cost in relation to saving the single life of a child or preventing a life-changing injury as a result of an amusement ride accident?  The amusement industry has a safe overall record, but we should not be in a place where we accept a single fatality when we know it can be prevented while keeping businesses thriving.  If the general public knows everything is being done to keep rides safe, more people will walk through the gate.  I urge Congress to do the right thing and pass the bill with increased funding.