How Common Are Amusement Park Accidents?

It is no secret that California has its share of tourism draws, and for many people, visiting one of the state’s numerous amusement parks is a great way to kick back and relax with friends and family. Regrettably, though, accidents that result in injuries are surprisingly common at many of these attractions, and they can place a serious damper on an otherwise enjoyable visit.

Just how common are amusement park accidents and injuries, and how safe should you feel when you visit such an attraction? According to NBC News, visitors suffered nearly 31,000 injuries resulting from amusement park accidents in 2016 alone. Furthermore, 22 people have lost their lives in accidents involving amusement park thrill rides since 2010.

While amusement parks are often hotbeds for visitor injuries, so, too, are county fairs and similar temporary attractions, and their temporary nature likely factors in to just how dangerous they can be. Because fair workers frequently raise, dismantle and re-erect rises and attractions, there is a lot of room for error. Things can also come apart or loosen during the erection or dismantling process, which can make certain rides more likely to malfunction or cause injuries.

Another factor that is likely contributing to the number of amusement park accidents that take place every year is the fact that there is a lack of accountability and regulation throughout the industry. Instead, each state regulates its own parks and attractions, and this lack of a single, regulating body can make it difficult to enact new regulations or get an accurate picture of the true prevalence of fair and park accidents.

This information about how likely you are to suffer an injury at an amusement park is educational in nature and does not constitute legal advice.