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6 Amusement Park Accidents — and How to Avoid Them

Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: Getty

From Good Housekeeping

Every year, thousands of people are injured - and a few die - on amusement rides in the United States. Although the majority of accidents occur because of improper use, many are the result of mechanical error - and a lack of oversight. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), eight states don't have state‐administered inspection programs for portable rides (like those found at local fairs and traveling carnivals); and eight states and the District of Columbia do not have state‐administered inspection programs for fixed‐site rides (think: Six Flags or Disney World).

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) estimates the chance of being killed on an amusement park ride is only 1 in 750 million. For comparison's sake, your risk of being struck by lightning is 1 in 960,000. However, in 2013, researchers studied CPSC information on kids taken to emergency rooms for amusement ride injuries. Their study examined fixed-site rides, such as those at major amusement parks, as well as mobile rides, which included rides at local carnivals, state fairs and shopping mall arcades. They found an average of 4,423 injuries each year.

Here are a few tips to keep your family safe and your day at the park fun.

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