A Must Read for Parents
It’s almost summer vacation and your kids are probably clamoring to head over to the nearest amusement park and take a spin on the giant roller coaster. Sure sounds like fun!!
But just how dangerous is a roller coaster? Are you putting your children (and yourself) at risk by climbing aboard the Corkscrew or El Toro? What are the most common injuries suffered on roller coaster rides?
The Risk of Traumatic Injury on a Roller Coaster
Roller coasters have a reputation for being scary—that’s part of the fun, after all. But the statistics indicate that, at least with respect to traumatic injuries caused by roller coaster malfunction, breakdown or other mechanical incidents, roller coasters are incredibly safe. According to a study conducted by the National Safety Council, there were just under 1,300 amusement park accidents in 2019, with about 130 of those injuries reported as serious or fatal. The odds of being injured at an amusement park are one in 9 million and the odds of the injury happening on a ride are one in 24 million.
That doesn’t mean, though, that there aren’t things you can do to ensure a safe experience. Always make certain you are buckled in or behind a safety bar. Don’t ignore the height requirements. Stay seated and let the roller coaster toss you back and forth.
It’s also important to understand that the number of injuries is likely significantly underreported, for a couple of reasons:
- Most of the data collected is self-reported by the amusement parks
- Virtually all parks have nondisclosure agreements as a condition of settling injury lawsuits
The Real Risks Associated with Roller Coasters
A 2012 study conducted by Science Digest looked at the incidence of subdural hematoma, cervical artery dissection and potential stroke in people who ride roller coasters. The study found that the G-force of a roller coaster can lead to excessive amounts of blood in the brain, causing vessel damage, internal bleeding and the potential for a stroke. While the risk was found to be greater for people with high blood pressure or any type of heart condition or ailment, research indicated that the sudden twists and turns of a roller coast can create blood clots or torn blood vessels that can lead to stroke in children and adults. A 12-year-old boy who rode a roller coaster in 2017 was diagnosed the following day with a stroke.
Contact the Proven Personal Injury Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we aggressively protect the rights of people who have suffered any type of injury because of the carelessness or negligence of another person or legal entity, including people who have been hurt on a roller coaster or at an amusement park. We’ll fight for you throughout the legal process, working hard to help you get full and fair compensation for all your losses. Contact us by e-mail or 844-402-2992 call our offices at one of the convenient locations listed below. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
