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Rollar Coaster Safety In California Includes Safeguards That Not All States Have

Are California's Roller Coasters Safe?
By 

HuffPost LA intern

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Last week, a woman died and nearly a dozen were injured on a roller coaster at Six Flag Over Texas. With all the amusement parks and roller coasters in California, the tragedy made us ask: Could this happen in California?

To great relief, we found that California has more safeguards in place. Texas is one of at least 17 states that have no state or federal agency responsible for enforcing the safety of amusement parks, according to NBC.

California law insists that certified safety inspectors annually perform unannounced inspections of all rides' operation, physical state and records, according to the Permanent Amusement Ride Safety Inspection Program, which was put into place by a California law passed in 2000.

The program also states that the operator or owner of a ride is required to report any injury that requires more than a standard first aid kit. In such an instance, the sight of the accident must be preserved for state investigation.

It seems California's roller coaster laws make for a pretty safe riding experience. But to ensure safety for the entire country, after the tragedy in Texas, Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) called for national safety standards for rides, the San Diego Union Tribune reports.

While national standards are not in place, check out the safety tips below that you can utilize yourself.

Safety Tips For Roller Coaster Riders
Dress Safely(01 of08)
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According to the New York State Department of Labor always make sure you have don't have any loose ends. Secure your clothing, jewelry and even hair before stepping onto a ride to ensure that nothing gets tangled up in the roller coaster. (credit:Getty)
Listen To The Signs(02 of08)
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According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions don't overlook the listed age, height, weight and health restrictions. They are there for a reason and in ignoring them, you drastically increase your risk of getting injured. (credit:Shutterstock)
Keep Your Hands And Feet Inside the Ride(03 of08)
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As reported by Parade.com It is extremely important that you keep your head, hands, arms legs and feet inside the ride at all times. Limit movement as much as possible to enjoy the ride. (credit:Getty)
Keep Your Eyes Looking Forward(04 of08)
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According to the New York Department of Labor, to prevent neck injuries, one should always keep their eyes looking forward to protect against quick accelerations and direction changes. (credit:AP)
Don't Be Afraid To Voice A Concern(05 of08)
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As stated on the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions website, if you see or feel like there is something wrong with the ride do not be afraid to report it to an employee. Speak up immediately! (credit:Shutterstock)
Wait To Unbuckle(06 of08)
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Wait until you are told to unbuckle your safety belt/bar/harness etc. According to Parade.com it is extremely important that you not preemptively unbuckle your seatbelt because rides coming to false stops or not being secured can lead to serious injury. (credit:Shutterstock)
Don't Force It(07 of08)
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Even though you probably just want your friend to experience the joy you get out of amusement park rides, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attraction's amusement park safety tips, you should never force anyone to go on a ride that they don't want to because it might cause them to behave unsafely. (credit:Getty)
Don't Go Where You Don't Belong(08 of08)
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According to Themeparkinsider.com, you should never enter an area that is clearly restricted. Do not climb fences or walk through unidentified gates. If you drop a personal item from a ride make sure that you ask an employee to help retrieve it, but never try to get back yourself. (credit:Getty)

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