Personal Injury Law

Carnival Ride Safety in the spotlight after 24 Injured

By Brian F. LaBovick, Esq.

Are Carnival rides safe?  This is the question that is being asked by many people in charge of investigating the most recent Carnival ride accident that occurred in California on May 16th. Unfortunately it involves the Yo-Yo carnival ride, that collapsed shortly after 6 p.m. on May 16th about 80 miles southeast of Sacramento, at the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee. According to reports on Ride Accidents.com appx.  24 people  were injured and taken to local hospitals.  The carnival portion of the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee closed for the evening, but the other parts of the fair grounds remained opened. KCRA News from Sacramento reported live shortly after the accident happed.

According to a quote from the owner of the Carnival Yo-Yo Ride, Mr. Harry Mason of Brass Ring Amusements/Midway of Fun,  in a San Francisco Chronicle article, it was not yet clear what caused the steel arms of the popular Yo-Yo ride to collapse.

How can innocent thrill seekers protect themselves while enjoying amusement park fun? The non profit organization,Safer Parks has put together a top 10 list  of safety tips for parents and patrons of carnivals and themeparks:

Top 10 Safety Tips for parents

1. Be a cautious consumer when choosing amusement rides.
2. Watch the ride with your child before boarding.
3. Always obey minimum height, age, weight, and health restrictions.
4. Don't put children on rides they're afraid of.
5. Follow any special instructions about seating order or loading.
6. Always use the safety equipment provided, but be aware of its limitations.
7. Watch all extremities - including feet if the ride has open sides.
8. Teach small children what to do if they get separated from you.
9. Trust your gut - don't abdicate your parental responsibility or judgment to any business.
10. Remember that amusement rides aren't really magic.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a detailed report on Amusement related injuries. Click here to read the CPSC report on Amusement related injury updates for 2005.

Warning: Use caution and care when riding on Carnival and themepark rides. This is the best way to prevent injuries apart from not riding all together.

Full post as published by LaBovick Injury Law Blog on May 17, 2008 (boomark / email).