Recently in researching rides, I've found such awful things that have fell people while riding roller coasters, carnival rides and the like. So I pose the question to everyone, are we safer today? I always check my restraints before we dispatch anyway, but you cannot foresee medical problems or weakened supports down the road.
I still say be righteous and vigilant in your stance so that part of the safety on these rides is up to you too ...
Amusement rides are about the safest form of recreaction on Earth!
All amusement rides from major theme parks down to the traveling carnivals have better safety records than skateboards, bicycles, trampolines, little league baseball, old guy softball leagues and a number of other activities combined. All rides from every level are subject to intense safety standards and inspections from local and state authorities that have the power to shut down any ride for any reason, even as simple as a loose bolt.
The rate of injuries is one per 250,000 people, and that includes anybody scraping there knee from tripping and falling, or a sliver from a fence.
Politicians at the Fed. level are trying to scare people to get there power over another big business, but let's face it, somebody can do alittle research and scare the crap out of people chronicling little league baseball injuries just as easily, but there's no money in that.
Yes we are safe! I have been on all the coasters here in Central Florida at Busch Gardens, Sea World, both Universal Parks and Disney, and they are completely safe. Each and every day, before and after the parks open, the rides are throughly inspected. Also, at various times of the year rides will close for a period of time for regular maintence. The people that get killed or injured are the ones that do not follow the rules and requirements as laid down by the parks and the inventors/builders of the rides. The rides that should be questioned on safety issues are the carnival rides! Now to me, they are not safe and I will not go to the fairs!