Blueprint for Safer Thrills

In a well-designed accident prevention system, industry, government, and consumers share responsibility for safety. Information is shared as well, so that each person has the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and safe choices.

• Safety standards are developed by consensus, where possible. Legislative and regulatory bodies may set additional requirements when industry standards fail to meet the level of safety required by the jurisdictional authority.
• Industry builds, operates, and maintains equipment in compliance with established standards and codes.
• State or local safety officials audit park and carnival operators to ensure that they're following agreed-upon safety rules and procedures, and investigate and document reportable incidents.
• Federal safety officials monitor nationwide accident data for patterns or critical events that might indicate a potential safety hazard, negotiate mitigation plans with manufacturers, and act as a clearinghouse for safety-critical information.
• Consumers use safety-related information provided by industry and government to decide which rides are safe choices for themselves and their children.

The amusement ride industry has developed a set of engineering standards through ASTM International.  Many parks, carnivals, and manufacturers voluntarily comply with those standards.  State laws, where they exist, generally mandate compliance with the ASTM standards for amusement rides and devices developed by the F-24 committee. Visit the industry standards page for more information.   

Industry standards provide a solid foundation for safety, but they do not represent a full and balanced consumer safety solution. Regulatory laws build upon industry-developed technical requirements to provide a system of checks and balances that encourage safe design, operation and use of thrill rides. Visit the Regulation Overview page for more information.

• Government Inspection Programs Provide Redundant Safety Checks.
  Redundancy of inspection is every bit as important as redundancy of restraints, sensors, or other safety-critical components. Requiring that rides be inspected periodically by someone on the public payroll brings fresh perspective and an additional set of eyes to catch problems before somebody gets hurt.
• Regulation Gives Consumers Access to Accurate Product Safety Information.
  Government regulation is the only reliable way to give consumers access to product safety records.  In California, for example, theme parks must publicly report accidents to the state, and consumers can request those records.  This allows consumers to educate themselves about the risks amusement rides pose to riders.
• Regulation Ensures Fair and Thorough Accident Investigations.
  Unbiased accident investigations performed by government safety officials ensure that all pertinent information is included in the analysis.  Ride owners and injured riders have input to the process.  The results are public record in most jurisdictions.  Lessons learned can be shared throughout the industry and disseminated to the public.

Safe design, manufacture, and operation of amusement rides goes a long way toward preventing accidents and injuries, but industry and government cannot eliminate all risk. Consumers have a responsibility to choose and use amusement rides in ways that are safe and appropriate. For more information, visit the Safety Tips section.