What are the most common causes of theme park injuries?

When you decide to spend the day at a theme park, it’s safe to assume that you’re looking to have the time of your life. The last thing on your mind is an accident that results in injury, but this could happen when you least expect it.

Understanding the most common causes of theme park injuries can help keep you safe. Here are a few that have resulted in serious injury or death time and time again:

• Improper ride maintenance: All those rides look like a lot of fun, but that’s only the case if they’re 100 percent safe. If a theme park neglects to maintain the rides and perform regular inspections, it increases the risk of an accident.
• Lack of trained supervision: Some rides require trained supervision, such as to operate it in the appropriate manner. Without this, a worker could make a mistake that puts riders, and those in close proximity, at risk of injury.
• Defective parts: For example, if a ride has a defective part, the issue should be immediately addressed. This goes along with regular maintenance, as this is often the best way to pinpoint a defective part.
• Slip and fall: There are slip and fall dangers throughout almost every theme park, ranging from slippery surfaces to debris to trip hazards. Even if you’re on the lookout for these, you can’t keep your eyes on the ground at all times.
• Reckless behavior: This has nothing to do with the theme park or the ride itself, and everything to do with the behavior of another visitor. A common example is a passenger on a ride who acts out, thus putting the safety of all others at risk.

If you’re injured in a theme park accident, stay where you are and call for help. Not only does this notify park employees of your injury, including the cause, but it also ensures that you receive immediate medical attention.

After receiving treatment, you’ll better understand your injuries, prognosis and next steps in your recovery. This will help you determine what to do next, such as taking steps to hold the theme park responsible for the negligence that resulted in your accident.