Carnival Ride Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe

Carnivals, county fairs and festivals all feature fun amusement rides to entertain the young and old. But all too often entertainment turns into tragedy. You can help ensure your own family's safety by following some common sense safety tips around carnival rides.

The federal government estimates 7000 riders were injured on amusement rides last year. The federal government regulates how rides are manufactured but not how they are operated or maintained. That is left up to the individual states.

Different states have different inspection standards and you should understand your state safety standards before trusting an amusement ride. Six states, including Utah and Montana, have no inspections at all. Other states allow the carnival to do inspections themselves. To see how your state stacks up visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission by clicking the link.

Equipment failure, operator error, and consumer error all contribute to the number of deaths and injuries suffered on amusement rides each year. To help ensure your family's safety, follow these amusement ride tips:

-Inspect the ride yourself. Does it look like it is held together with duct tape and bailing wire? Are there rickety wood blocks holding up a massive structure? Pass on rides that don't look safe.

-Wear close fitting clothing and real shoes, not flip-flops. Dangly clothing and jewelry can become caught on equipment causing injury.

-Read and follow all posted age, height, and weight requirements. These restrictions are not meant to spoil your fun but keep you from harm.

-Follow all instructions given by the ride operator.

-Fasten all safety equipment provided, such as seat belts, lap bars and shoulder harnesses.

-Walk, don't run, around amusement rides. And stay away from restricted areas.

-Never force a child to ride an attraction they are afraid of. Talk to your children about what to expect of the ride. Allow them to watch a turn or two before boarding the equipment.

-Remain seated and keep all body parts inside the ride at all times.

-Wait until the ride has completely stopped moving before exiting. Wait for the signal from the ride operator.

-Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Accidents are more likely to happen if you become dehydrated.

Summer fun often includes fairs and carnivals, just remember to use a little common sense to prevent your fun day from becoming a terrifying experience.

Sources:

http://abcnews.go.com/

http://www.americantowns.com

http://cpsc.gov