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The graphs and data in this section are drawn from two data sources: public accident logs from responding State Regulatory Agencies and CPSC NEISS Hospital ER Records. The source is noted on each graph underneath the title.
For more information, visit the Data Sources page.
General Findings by Equipment Type
- The most common amusement ride injuries stem from impacts and body strains caused by the ride's normal motion, such as whiplash or smacking against part of the carrier as the ride makes a sudden turn. Females seek treatment for amusement ride injuries more often than males, with adult females well in the lead. Head, neck, and lower trunk (back) are the most common injury sites for amusement rides.
- The most common go-kart injuries are caused by collisions with other karts and impacts with barriers. Victims are twice as likely to be male. Boys age 7-12 suffer the most injuries.
- The most common waterslide injuries stem from impacts and body strains caused by the ride's inherent slip-and-slide nature, such as smacking against part of the flume. 14% of state reports indicated that two patrons collided. Boys suffer more injuries than girls during childhood. Teenage boys are treated least often for waterslide injuries; adult females are treated most often. Head, face, and back are the most common injury sites.
- The most common accidents on inflatable devices involve patrons falling or colliding in a way that causes injury. CPSC hospital data indicates that 18% of victims, mostly very young children, were injured falling out of the inflatable onto a harder surface. Children 12 and under account for the vast majority of injuries. Boys are injured more frequently than girls.
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| Graph: Most frequent accidents by equipment type |
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Graph: Injuries by gender, age group, and device type |
General Findings Related to Amusement Rides Only (excluding Go-karts, Inflatables, Waterslides)
- Roller coasters are, by far, the most commonly cited ride in both accident and injury reports for patrons over the age of six. Kiddie rides are cited most often for children 6 and under. Whirling/spinning rides are the second most frequently cited ride type.
- Injuries from a patron's body hitting some part of the equipment during the normal course of the ride account for the largest segment of accidents reported to state agencies. As a percentage of all accidents for age group, this figure stays relatively constant through childhood and teen years, dropping slightly for adults.
- Reports of body pain stemming from the ride's normal motion increase with age.
- Young children are at highest risk of falls and ejections mid-ride. The high risk group drops off at approximately 9 years of age. According to state logs, falls/ejections account for 18% of amusement ride accidents involving kids 1-6. CPSC hospital ER reports show the same relative increased risk for young children, however the hospital data reports a significantly higher rate of falls/ejections for all age groups. 52% of hospital narratives for amusement ride-related injuries to kids 1-6 indicate the child fell from the equipment.
- Kids 1-6 have a higher rate of injury while getting into, out of, or waiting for the ride, compared with older children or adults.
- Adults have a higher rate of reportable illness triggered by riding. This includes asthma, heart problems, vascular bleeds, seizures, etc.
- Children show a slightly higher rate of restraint injury, such as pinching fingers or hitting their head as the restraint closes.
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| Graph: Amusement rides most frequently cited in accident reports (by age group) |
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Graph: Age distribution for amusement ride injuries |
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Graph: Amusement ride accidents by accident type and age group |
General Findings from Medical Records (All Amusement Devices)
- Kids 1-6 suffered more injuries to head or face than any other body part, 40% of total. This compares to 24% for kids 7-12, 18% for teens, and 12% for adults.
- Neck injuries increase markedly from the 1-6 age group (4%) to the 7-18 age group (11%). The rate drops slightly for adults to 7%.
- Injuries to upper and lower trunk (mostly back injuries) overwhelmingly affect adults (30% of total). Rates for children increase with age: 6% for kids 1-6, 10% for kids 7-12, 12% for teens.
- Males suffer more strains and sprains. Teenage boys are at highest risk for sprains and strains when all amusement devices are considered together.
- Females suffer more lacerations and internal injuries. Adult females are at highest risk for fractures, contusions and abrasions, lacerations and concussions.
- Go-kart injuries show the highest rate of hospital admission at 8% compared to 6% for inflatable devices and 2% for amusement rides and waterslides.
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| Graph: Most frequently injured body part by age group |
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Graph: Most frequent diagnoses by gender & age group |
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Graph: Most frequent diagnoses by equipment type |
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