Las Vegas entertainment has options for all kinds of thrill-seekers. And for those who prefer amusement park rides, the city doesn’t fail to entertain. Between the high-flying Stratosphere Tower to the roller coasters at various casinos, riders can choose their favorite thrill.
When you go on amusement rides, you flirt with the line between dangerous and fun. But when operators don’t practice proper safety protocol, they put you at risk of severe injuries. If you seek a fun thrill on vacation, you may end up with a lengthy hospital stay and medical bills.
Injuries on rides: The Statistics
According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, rides injured 1,035 people in 2017. And the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that common injuries included injury to the head and neck, broken bones, cuts and injury to the face. Ten percent of those injured had hospital stays longer than 24 hours.
Nevada has no state regulation for rides
Currently, there is no federal oversight into the safety of amusement park rides. And unlike most states, Nevada does not regularly inspect rides. Beyond an initial inspection at installation, owners do not have to go through regular state tests. They only have to report serious injuries with hospital stays lasting 24 hours or more and deaths.
This leaves the owners and operators of the rides to regulate any attractions themselves. Any safety training for operators or oversight of repairs done by technicians goes through the ride owners, not state inspectors.
Poor oversight can have unfortunate consequences
When you strap into the seat of a ride, you expect the owners to have multiple safeguards in place. But without regular inspection, a distracted employee or malfunctioning equipment may leave you with a severe injury.
