HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – An accident on a carnival ride at the Ohio State Fair that has left one person dead and seven more hurt has many asking just how safe are carnival rides.
LARA (Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) of Michigan works to make Michigan a leader in ride safety, inspection, and registration of amusement rides to ensure compliance with Michigan’s rules and regulations that protect citizens of all ages while riding.
LARA inspects amusement rides annually; however, operators are required to conduct daily inspections before operation according to manufacturer criteria, national standards, and state law. Michigan has one of the oldest amusement ride safety programs in the country, protecting consumers for 50 years; the first inspection was done in 1967.
Most amusement ride injuries are suffered by children under age 13 according to national data compiled by the Saferparks organization. Kids between the ages of 7 and 12 account for nearly a third of all ride accidents. The speeds, heights, rapid changes in direction, and special effects can overwhelm and panic a child.
Although most full-sized rides are designed for adults and teens, there has been an increasing emphasis on the safety and retention of children on adult rides. Many Ferris wheels have had seat belts added to them to help keep kids in their seats.
Here are a few safety tips on what you and the kids need to know before you go to a carnival:
- Know the rules of the ride; listen to verbal or recorded instructions.
- Observe all age, height, and weight restrictions. Know the safest riding position for the kids.
- Never seat a child on your lap, unless ride operators indicate it’s safe to do so.
- Securely latch seat belts, shoulder harness, and lap bars before the ride begins. Hold on to handrails; use grab bars.
- Keep hands, arms, legs, and feet inside the ride at all times. Do not ride with hands in the air. Secure loose hair, clothing, and belongings. Never stand up on a ride.
- Stay seated until the ride comes to a complete stop and you are instructed to exit.
- Patrons with heart conditions, pregnancy, or back/neck injuries should heed any warning signs posted.
- Report any unsafe behavior or conditions on a ride to a ride supervisor or manager immediately.
- Report injuries to a ride supervisor. They will assist the injured and report the injury to LARA.
If Michigan consumers have questions regarding a ride’s license or inspection, they can contact CSCL at 517-241-9273. Consumers can file a complaint by visiting CSCL’s complaint resource page here.
