Are Rides Dangerous?
Theme park and ride fun is something most enjoy, and it’s always lots of fun. But although you do feel a little scared, have you really thought about the real dangers of riding amusement rides.
Even though most rids undergo the rigorous health and safety checks, there are still regular reports of accidents at fairs and theme parks.
In April this year three teenagers suffered serious injuries on a ride at a carnival in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia. The teenagers were enjoying a turn on the Ferris wheel when the car they were riding in became detached from the main body of the ride and plunged to the ground.
Despite enduring a 20ft fall, surprisingly, the teenagers only suffered back injuries, abrasions and cuts and after being treated in hospital were allowed home within a matter of hours. Since the incident the ride has been closed, and with an investigation now under way it is likely the owners will face charges.
It’s not just large rides that accidents occur on either. In December last year, at a Cambridge go karting area, an 18 year old girl was strangled to death whilst driving one of the go karts. Her scarf got caught in the engine, which pulled it around her neck, meaning she was strangled. She died the next day due to the injuries suffered.
A spokesperson at the raceway said the accident had taken place outside of hours and was due to a staff member allowing his friends to use the go karts without the usual safety checks, and that under normal circumstances it would not have occurred.
It’s not theme park visitors who have been hurt either, there have been several reports over recent years of ‘cast members’ at Disney and other adventure parks being hurt. One recent incident occurred when a cast member of the Tommorowland Ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom was struck by a visitor to the resort. The injuries the employee sustained have nit been disclosed, but it has been reported that they were not fatal and the patient was taken to hospital.
Accidents happen quite rarely, but you can safeguard yourself to some degree by following all ride rules, attending reputable parks and alert staff to anything you think may be a safety issue.
Oliver & Co are specialist no-win no-fee solicitors and can help if you have a genuine head injury claim they can help you make a claim for the compensation you deserve.
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