Expert Reveals How Likely Accidents Are After Several Incidents (Exclusive)? How Safe Are Amusement Park Rides

When it comes to amusement parks, even the most avid thrill-seekers might start to question how safe rides are when an accident happens. 

Several amusement park and state fair accidents have made headlines just this summer, including a situation at Portland's Oaks Amusement Park where riders got stuck hanging upside down for more than 20 minutes; another at Six Flags Over Texas, where guests were stranded on the park's Roaring Rapids ride, and a third in which a girl was reportedly thrown headfirst from a carnival ride in Indiana.

But how worried does the average amusement park-goer really need to be worried next time they step onto a ride? PEOPLE spoke to Jakob Wahl — the President and CEO of the Global Association for the Attractions Industry (IAAPA) — to find out.

Amusement park rides, or fixed-site rides, are especially safe in comparison to “mobile” attractions, like those often found at carnivals or fairs, because of the “sophisticated engineering, multiple inspections, strict operating procedures and extensive maintenance” that they receive on a daily basis," says Wahl.

They typically undergo daily inspections that include “checking for signs of damage or malfunction” before the ride can be opened to the public for the day, according to Wahl. 

“By adhering to these rigorous protocols, roller coaster manufacturers and operators ensure that their attractions provide a safe and thrilling experience for all riders,” the expert adds.

While accidents clearly do still happen, the likelihood of being injured on a ride is actually decr -

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easing every year,

“In North America, there has been a consistent decline in the rate of injuries per million rides and per million attendees over the past 20 years,” Wahl says. He adds that only 8% of injuries “were classified as serious” in 2023 (which is down from 19% in 2022). 

Wahl explains that accidents are more likely to happen because of “guest behavior” on family and adult rides rather than a malfunction, as it was a contributing factor in “75% of injuries over the past year.” 

This includes when guests ignore safety guidelines and instructions such as standing up when they’re not supposed to, taking out their phone to record, or trying to exit the ride before it comes to a complete stop.

In order to “restore confidence” in an attraction after an accident occurs, Wahl says a “thorough and systematic approach” must be adhered to.

Once an incident has happened, park employees are expected to quickly “secure the area and close the ride” while taking care of the guests who might need medical attention.

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After a series of inspections, including an initial and technical one, staff members need to be trained on any new procedures that will be implemented as a result of the inspections. The ride will then need “enhanced monitoring” after it’s reopened.

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