Roller Coaster Safety Tips

Amusement and theme parks can be great vacation getaways, and these roller coaster safety tips can help keep everyone from accidents that can put a damper on the best vacation.

A cautious rider is a safe rider.

Any slight accident – a bad sunburn, a twisted ankle, or a severely pinched finger – can make a great vacation less enjoyable. Even a mild amusement park has opportunities for unforeseen accidents, but these basic tips can help everyone stay safe at a theme park, even if they don’t plan on riding roller coasters.

• Use high SPF sunscreen and reapply it every 2 hours to avoid sunburn. Water resistant sunscreen is essential when visiting a water park.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can provide additional sun protection, and choose light colors that will be cooler.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and avoid sunstroke.
• Choose comfortable, familiar shoes that won’t cause blisters.
• Carry an identification card with essential medical information in case of emergencies.
• Avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary identification, such as a social security card or multiple credit cards, in case your wallet is lost.
• Avoid horseplay and rough activities that could cause accidents and potential injury.
• Follow all instructional signs about restricted areas, employees only spaces, and ride restrictions.

By exercising some basic precautions, it is possible to have a carefree vacation without worrying about potential accidents.

Roller coasters are sophisticated machines with thousands of coordinated moving parts, elaborate computer programs, and advanced safety features. Most roller coasters employ multiple layers of safety technology, such as:

• Physical rider restraints such as lap bars, shoulder harnesses, and seat belts
• Sensors to track each coaster’s position in relation to the overall track layout
• Multiple braking systems throughout the track
• Redundant physical safety systems such as anti-rollback devices and pressurized brakes

Despite these sophisticated safety systems, accidents can happen on roller coasters. While technological failures do account for some of these mishaps, rider errors are also responsible for many problems. By following these roller coaster safety tips, eager riders can avoid many problems on an otherwise fun vacation.

An accident-free roller coaster ride begins with proper rider safety. These tips can help all riders enjoy a great ride without compromising safety.

• Follow all posted signs about rider recommendations and who should not participate in the ride due to health concerns or physical limitations.

Store loose items in lockers.

• Listen to ride operators’ instructions for properly using safety equipment and how to enter and exit the ride.
• Fasten available seatbelts, lap bars, and shoulder harnesses firmly, tug to ensure they are secure, and keep them fastened until the ride is complete.
• Secure all loose articles such as sunglasses, cell phones, keys, hats, wallets, and other items in a zipped pocket, bag, or locker to avoid losing them or having them fly out during the ride and potentially injure other riders.
• Do not attempt to take photos during the ride – it is easy for a camera to slip and break or cause injury.
• Keep hands, arms, and legs inside the roller coaster car at all times to avoid hitting nearby supports, branches, and other objects.
• Sit properly in the ride without twisting around, kneeling, or otherwise rearranging your body in a way that may compromise the effectiveness of the safety restraints.
• If you do lose an object on the coaster, alert the ride operator but do not attempt to retrieve the object yourself, even if you can see it beneath the ride.
• Never climb fences or otherwise enter restricted areas where the coaster or other dangerous equipment may be nearby.

With a careful attitude and an eye on safety, many roller coaster accidents can be easily avoided.

Basic roller coaster safety tips cannot always prevent ride accidents. When an incident does occur, the best thing a rider can do is remember not to panic. The sophisticated machinery of the coaster has many failsafes to keep riders unharmed, and riders should immediately follow all operator instructions in any unusual situations. Report all injuries to the authorities (rider operators, paramedics, etc.) and be sure to leave proper contact information with the park in case of further extenuating circumstances.

Amusement park rides, including roller coasters, are very safe, but occasionally problems will occur and riders who understand basic safety precautions will be able to avoid larger complications. The best way to be a safe rider is to be a conscientious, alert guest who is aware of and abides by safety warnings and instructions, which will lead to a fun, accident-free theme park visit.

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