Are Your Kids Riding Safe? Amusement Ride Saftey Tips

As Memorial Day Weekend signals the start of summer outdoor fun, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs encourages New Jerseyans to be safe on amusement rides.

“While New Jersey has a very good safety record on amusement rides, we think it is essential to remind people about the importance of rider behavior,” said Acting Commissioner Constable. “Our engineering staff and ride inspectors in the Division of Codes and Standards do a great job ensuring rides are safe for operation, but riders must do their part as well.”

The DCA recommends several rider and parental precautions that should be followed at this critical time of year when school trips and family excursions include visits to amusement parks, boardwalks, local fairs and traveling carnivals.

Ride inspectors first urge that riders (and their parents or guardians) make sure they are comfortable with a ride before choosing to get on it. They should always look for the posted State of New Jersey certificate of operation, which shows that a ride was inspected and passed the stringent safety regulations required by the State.

Riders should also read and obey all written and verbal instructions, and observe all age, height and weight restrictions.

 Additionally, riders are urged to:

• Fasten safety equipment such as seatbelts, shoulder harnesses and lap bars before the ride begins;
• Keep limbs inside the ride at all times;
• Stay in the ride and keep all safety equipment fastened until the ride comes to a complete stop and the ride operator instructs people to exit;
• Refrain from throwing any object from a ride or behaving in a reckless manner; and
• Avoid entering a ride without the supervision of an operator.

Parents should take additional safety precautions for their children, especially small children, when participating in amusement rides or attractions. They should know their child’s capabilities and limitations with regard to whether the ride is appropriate for them and watch the ride in operation before deciding whether their child can ride it safely. Parents should also designate an easily recognizable place to meet their child after the ride is over and supervise their child at all times.

“New Jersey’s amusement parks, fairs and carnivals are some of the best in the country and are designed to entertain every member of your family,” Acting Commissioner Constable said. “We just ask that people put safety first.”