First, let’s get very clear about a few things regarding theme park accidents and the general safety of the patrons who pay good money to visit parks every single day. What you have seen on just about any movie, whether from Hollywood, or those weird friends of your kids who shoot video on handheld recorders, is just not true.
Strange demon-like creatures do not abscond with small children in the dark recesses of haunted house rides. With few exceptions, no one is buying corn batter dipped, deep fried fingers in place of the familiar corndog. That last one is a joke.
The reality about theme park safety, however, is that you should take responsibilityfor you general well being while there having fun. Of course you have a reasonable expectation that the rides and attractions you visit are in proper working order and are being controlled by trained and alert professionals who care about making things right for you.
Even with all these expectations, there are still some ways you can be proactive about how you experience an amusement park. Deciding that you will not only live through your day (and/or night) of fun and frolic, but will do so with the least amount of worry is all up to you.
First things first. If you’re toting along mini-people, children types, then make sure you are always looking out for and after their best interests. This means that you don’t leave them standing by the exit of the big folks ride without supervision. Just because they are not at least this high does not mean you have a right to leave them. If there are enough of the big folks, let someone take the half-pints on their own ride while you enjoy that humdinger.
Once you do get on a ride that has height requirements, realize it’s probably because of safety. When the attraction operator indicates you should keep your hands, arms, legs, toes, whatever in the ride’s seat, complying is probably a good consideration on your part.
We’ve all seen those foolish, fools sitting in front of you who just have to wave their hands in the air like they just don’t care. You should care; if you care about your hands and arms that is. While most ride architects would never design potentially harmful obstructions, you just never know what might be happening or have happened to that ride since it was conceived, designed and constructed.
Getting away from the thrills and spills of the midway, there are a number of other more down to earth, aka, boring things you might want to pay attention to if you hope to survive your magic park berry patch fun.
When you go to the bathroom, for instance, pay attention for wet floors, dirty surfaces, and anything else that looks out of the ordinary. If you think it might not be a good deal, it’s probably not. Don’t just leave and find another facility, do your duty and point out your concerns to a park official. You’ll likely not get the thanks and recognition from the next patron, but you’ll know that you most assuredly saved their lives that day.
Okay, perhaps not that dramatic, but we have to keep our eyes open and stay on our toes. This might be a great slogan to live by, especially when it comes to theme park accidents and getting the most satisfaction during your next visit to the amusement park.
Kara Taylor works for a motorcycle accident lawyer in Florida by day, and she pursues her passion of freelance writing at night.
