Roller coaster safety checklist you should know

Collaborative Post | ​Roller coasters offer the perfect opportunity to experience all the thrill and fun. Summers are that more exciting when they have the sprinkle of adrenaline rush from a hair-raising roller-coaster ride. Excitement notwithstanding, it is not lost on anyone how equally dangerous these rides can be. Hospital emergency rooms are no strangers to the thousands of injuries associated with amusement park rides and carnivals. Even more unsettling is that most of the hazards are preventable by following a simple safety checklist. Here are some things to look out for during a safe roller coaster ride:

Photo by Itai Aarons on Unsplash

Follow all the age, height, weight, and health requirements

These requirements are present for a reason. And the reason is utmost safety for everyone enjoying the rides. Go through all the age, height, weight, and health requirements before getting on the roller coaster or any other ride in an amusement park. Trying to cheat the system by getting on the ride even when you do not meet the requirements will only backfire. You will be risking serious injuries and will have no one but yourself to blame.

Confine your body inside the roller coaster at all times

Your head, hands, legs, and arms should always be inside the roller coaster when moving. Putting your legs in the air is all fun at the onset of the ride, but it is crucial to put them back inside the car for the rest of the ride.

Take time to observe the rides before getting on them

You need to understand how the ride operates before getting on it. If you are bringing your children for the roller coaster ride, help them understand the workings of the ride. That will help them comprehend all the emotions and rush they will be experiencing during the ride. There will be fewer panic and anxiety attacks if the children know to expect all the dips, turns, swings, sways, highs, and drops.  

Stay away from rides that have seen better days

No amount of potential thrill is worth the risk of getting on a poorly maintained roller coaster. If you notice that a ride needs some TLC, stay away. It is also crucial to avoid roller coasters whose operators seem intoxicated or distracted.

Take breaks between rides

It is necessary to take breaks between roller coaster rides. Your body needs a little time and a few deep breaths to recuperate from one exciting ride to the next. Failure to which, you could end up feeling sick. Slow down when your body indicates that it needs rest. You can always go back to the other rides after your little break.

Keep your head up and eyes forward

You do not want to snap your neck. You, therefore, need to stay upright while on the roller coaster. The sudden direction changes that roller coasters are famous for (coupled with the high speed) can cause serious injuries. Sit upright with your eyes forward and head up to help prevent impacts caused by the sudden jerks. 

Keep an eye on the children

If going with children on roller coaster rides, ensure they have constant supervision. That will prevent missing child cases that can be heart-wrenching. Children should not take rides by themselves. A few minutes are enough for a calm situation to turn disastrous. Ensure that all kids have a chaperone with them all the time.

Seek legal & medical help in case of an accident

Unfortunately, you may do everything right on your end, but accidents can happen. In some cases, the park’s negligence could result in injuries to you or your loved one. If this happens, then you should seek medical help immediately. Also, speak to an experienced personal injury attorney if you or your loved one is injured on a roller coaster. Remember, roller coaster accidents can lead to broken bones, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, heart attacks, and paralysis. In some cases, it can even lead to death!

Well, a lawyer will help you approach settlement negotiations between the defending insurance company and you. You are more likely to get compensation when you have a lawyer in your corner. Moreover, there are better chances of winning a higher settlement because your attorney will not just accept the first offer that the insurance company presents. They can negotiate and push for the maximum amount possible for such a case

Hydrate adequately

Drinking enough water reduces the risk of exhaustion and injuries significantly. Be sure to hydrate adequately between the rides. Carry a water bottle in your carry-on bag and keep sipping throughout the day. Do not let the excitements of the roller coaster rides make you forget to hydrate.


​Final remarks
​Roller coaster safety tips are essential to follow. They, however, do not always guarantee zero accidents. Follow all the operator instructions in case of an incident. You should also protect your rights if you sustain injuries on a roller coaster.


Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post