Who is at Risk?

Amusement rides can be used safely by most people, but not all rides are appropriate for all people. If you fall into one of the following categories, take extra care to choose only the rides and attractions that you and your loved ones can safely enjoy.

• When choosing rides for children, older riders, or people with physical or mental limitations, be conservative and realistic.  Most thrill rides are, by their very nature, physically demanding and emotionally intense.
• Make sure the restraints fit well and the rider is secured.   Small, thin riders and obese riders may be at higher risk of ejection in rides that rely on lap restraints. 
• If a child or developmentally-disabled rider seems frightened for any reason, alert the operator before the ride starts so you can get off safely and find another ride. 
• Ride with your child until you're absolutely sure he or she can understand and follow all of the safety rules.  Slower rides aren't required to have child restraints, so manufacturers and owner/operators often rely on children to keep themselves safely contained inside the vehicle.
• If you question whether a child or disabled person in your charge should be on a particular ride, err on the side of caution. If someone lacks the capacity to fully understand what they may be subjected to and the results of their actions, they shouldn't be placed on a ride which can induce great fear and panic.
• People with pre-existing medical conditions should check with their doctors AND the park or carnival guest services staff before boarding any thrill ride. Conditions most likely to cause problems are usually listed on the ride's safety sign, but anyone who is under treatment or medical supervision for an illness, or who is recovering from an injury or surgery, should take special care when deciding which amusement rides are safe for them.

Photo by Worchester Telegram&Gazette

• Machinery Hazards - Thrill rides expose children to heights, speeds, forces, and machinery hazards that they may not be capable of handling safely.  Restraints in many amusement rides are designed to fit adults, and leave small riders under-restrained. The loose fit can allow young children to slide or move into an unsafe position.
• Youth and inexperience contributes at least as much to this hazard pattern as small size, further increasing the risk of falls or ejection. An unexpected movement or special effect can frighten or jar a child into reacting impulsively. Amusement rides are based on surprise, speed, and strong physical and emotional sensations. Any of those can overwhelm a young child in the moment -- even a child who's normally bold and has experience riding amusement rides.
• Over-confidence can lead to risk-taking behavior. Children are developmentally wired to try new things once they feel they've mastered a skill or situation. On amusement rides, this may translate into dangerous actions, such as kneeling on the seat or reaching their hands out to grab or touch something while the ride is moving.
• Lack of Child Safety Oversight - Amusement park rides are the only products marketed to children that are exempt from all federal safety oversight. Child safety features mandated for other vehicles and products used by children (e.g., harnesses and lap belts in cars, strollers, bike trailers, etc.) are not required on amusement rides used by young children.

Learn About the Risk Factors So You Can Avoid Them - Amusement rides are not all created equal.  Each ride type presents different risk factors to different groups of people.  For more information, visit the Risk Factors page.

Respect the Forces - Amusement rides expose an infinite variety of human beings to extremes of position, velocity, acceleration, and jerk.  Learn more about the physics of ride safety by visiting the Acceleration page.

Patronize Parks and Carnivals that are Accountable to the Public - Amusement rides in the United States are regulated through a confusing patchwork of federal, state, and local laws that are riddled with special exemptions.  Visit the Regulation page to find out more about consumer protection laws governing amusement ride safety.

Remember, Amusement Ride Safety Is Your Job, Too - Many, if not most, amusement ride accidents can be prevented if patrons understand how the rides work and how to avoid potential hazards.  Visit the Safety Tips page for more information.