How Weather Can Impact Amusement Park Injuries

A day at an amusement park can be fun and exciting. If you have been planning to take your kids to one of Ohio’s many amusement parks, you and your family are likely looking forward to a day off to make memories, have fun, and spend time together.

While you may expect a completely sunny day, it is not unusual for unexpected rain showers, light drizzle, or even wind gusts to arrive and rain on your parade. If the amusement park remains open and in full operation during these weather conditions, you and your family may be at risk of injuries.

How common are injuries at amusement parks?

Unfortunately, accidents and injuries at amusement parks are quite common. While people do not like to think about the chances of getting hurt while spending a fun day with the family, the reality is that it is possible and can be traumatizing. Here are some statistics regarding amusement park injuries that you should keep in mind:

• In 2021, close to 1,300 ride-related injuries were reported at amusement parks across the country, or close to 4 injuries per 1 million visitors.
• The most common reasons for amusement park injuries are mechanical failure, improper ride operation, and passenger behavior.
• About half of all amusement park injury victims are children between the ages of 5 to 14.
• The chance of being injured on a ride at an amusement park in the United States is 1 in 15.5 million rides taken. While this may seem like a lot of rides before an injury takes place, keep in mind that amusement park rides are constantly going on each day. In addition, this is just an average number. Depending on how well-maintained the park is, some rides may have issues, and individuals may become injured more often.

How can different weather conditions affect ride and park safety in Columbus?

Certain weather conditions can affect ride and park safety in various ways. When visiting an outdoor amusement park, it is important to monitor the weather to ensure that you and your family are safe throughout the day. Below, we will discuss a few ways that different weather conditions can affect ride and park safety in Columbus.

• Thunderstorms: A thunderstorm is an amusement park visitor’s worst nightmare. These storms cause lightning, strong winds, and even heavy downpours. Most amusement parks are required to stop operating their outside rides during a thunderstorm. However, if you are at an amusement park and they do not close or stop operating rides during a thunderstorm, you could be put at risk of being struck by lightning. The roller coaster tracks are tall and closer to the storm. In addition, most roller coasters are made of metal, which gives lightning a path to follow and strike anything or anyone near or in this pathway.
• Rain: Both heavy and light rain can make everything wet, slick, and slippery. Whether getting on a ride or simply walking around an amusement park, you could be at risk of slipping, sliding, and falling. Some amusement parks will operate rides in rainy conditions, making it difficult for riders to remain secure and upright while on a ride, increasing the risk of injuries.
• Strong winds: Strong winds can also cause danger for amusement park visitors. For example, if an individual is on a ride that hangs, such as the swings, the winds could push and pull them while the ride is in motion. This may be able to cause riders to collide with one another or even the ride itself. Another example is if it is too windy and certain structures or items are unstable, they could fly off and hit a person on a ride or even walk around the amusement park.

What are the guidelines for ride maintenance at amusement parks?

Cornell Law School explains that “the owner of an amusement park or amusement attraction shall implement a program of maintenance, testing, and inspection based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, providing for the duties and responsibilities necessary in the care of each amusement ride or attraction.”

It is all amusement park owners’ duty to inspect, test, and maintain their parks to prevent accidents and injuries from occurring. The Ohio Department of Agriculture states that the employees who work for the Department of Amusement Ride Safety, which is part of the Department of Agriculture, are responsible for inspecting the 4,000 amusement park rides throughout the state. Some of the guidelines for ride maintenance in Ohio include:

• Before they can open and operate, all rides must receive an annual inspection and permit. Inspections usually occur at various locations and times around the state.
• The employees who inspect rides ensure that each ride is sufficiently maintained, assembled, and operated according to the manufacturer’s rules and recommendations.
• The employees will watch how the ride is assembled and check out the condition of the equipment and how it is assembled. They will also ensure all safety restraints are in good working order.
• They will evaluate the ride as it is being operated to ensure that there are no mechanical issues or flaws and that the ride is working as the manufacturer intended.
• Some rides also require annual non-destructive tests, which are usually conducted to ensure that no elements, components, or systems have defects or damage.

If any rides do not pass the inspections or tests, they must be fixed and pass another inspection or test before they can be operated. All employees who inspect and maintain amusement parks undergo significant training. Before inspecting and maintaining any rides, they must have at least one year of training. This training includes different learning components, such as harnesses and restraints, structural integrity, electrical safety, non-destructive tests, braking systems, hydraulic systems, ride operations, and more.

What rights do amusement park visitors have if injured?

If you have been injured while visiting an amusement park, you can file a personal injury claim and seek compensation. However, remember that most large amusement park companies, owners, and insurance companies will do everything they can to fight against these claims. They will also try to get you to take a low-ball settlement as quickly as possible to avoid having to pay you what you are owed and to avoid public attention or damage to their reputation.

You should strongly consider consulting with a Columbus amusement park injury lawyer to ensure you are treated accurately and fairly based on your injuries and losses. They can help you protect your rights, collect convincing and supportive evidence, communicate and negotiate with the opposing team, and fight for the total compensation you are entitled to.

If you or a family member have recently suffered injuries at an amusement park, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a Columbus personal injury lawyer from Soroka & Associates at your earliest opportunity. We have spent years assisting clients who have been hurt at amusement parks, fairs, carnivals, and waterparks, and we are more than glad to use our experience and skills to advocate for your rights and demand the maximum compensation you deserve. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you today.