June 30, 2006 - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued a proclamation declaring the week of July 3^rd as Amusement Ride Safety Week to bring awareness to the state's amusement industry and remind consumers of the importance of riding responsibly.

"The safe enjoyment of amusement rides allows Michigan's tourism industry to flourish, bringing millions of visitors each year and adding millions of dollars to our economy," said Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) Director Robert W. Swanson. "This week recognizes the tireless efforts of the Michigan's ride safety inspectors and operators to protect our families and recognize the industry's contributions to our economy and quality of life."

Amusement ride riding is among the safest of activities and has long been a part of summer fun, but still injuries and deaths occur. The majority of accidents are caused by the riders themselves, therefore DLEG's Carnival-Amusement Safety Board offers tips to riders and parents of riders to ensure safe riding and enjoyment of these rides.

Carnival-Amusement safety is the topic of the Consumer's Corner, hosted by Swanson with guests Andy Metcalf, director of DLEG's Bureau of Commercial Services, which regulates the ski and amusement industry in Michigan and Mark Doman, who supervises the unit. The show will begin airing in mid-July on the cable stations listed here: http://www.cis.state.mi.us/consumerscorner/CC-Schedule.xls

"Michigan has an effective amusement ride licensing and inspection program that is part of why less than 5 percent of amusement ride related injuries are caused by failures of the rides themselves," Swanson said. "The State of Michigan and amusement ride manufacturers require warning and instruction signs for riders. Reading and heeding what the signs say is important in controlling these accidents."

In Michigan last year, there were 41 amusement ride related injuries and no deaths among the forty million people attending Michigan's fairs and festivals and the countless others who rode the 450 regulated rides at the state's 170 amusement parks, fun centers and water parks. In addition to its work with the rides, the state licenses specially commissioned ride inspectors and regulates training of the ride operators.

David Ropeik and George Gray of the Harvard School of Public Health tell us that you are 10 times more likely to be killed in a flood, or 20 times more likely to be killed by lightning or 10,000 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident than on an amusement ride[1].

There is much that riders and parents of riders can do to reduce the risk of injury on amusement rides and enhance their enjoyment. Here are some tips:

Get Ready

·         Wear closed-toed shoes. Tie back long hair and avoid loose clothes and jewelry that might get caught in the mechanism of the ride.

·         Pick appropriate rides for the riders. Maturity, coordination, size and shape should all be considered in choosing good rides to ride. Height and age are commonly used to measure appropriate riders, but exceptionally thin and over-weight riders can both be problems for ride restraint systems.

·         Make sure that the restraints fit and that riders are not on rides that might cause them to panic and try to get out of the restraints.

Get Set

·         Watch a ride in action to decide that it is appropriate for a rider. The reactions of exiting riders and the attentiveness of the operator are good indicators.

·         Look for the State of Michigan inspection sticker. It is 3"x5" and light blue for 2006. It is generally located on the operator's control stand, but ask the operator if you don't see it.

·         Read and obey the ride instructions and limitations. Look for warnings for riders with specific physical conditions.

Go!

·         Load small children away from open car sides.

·         Use the ride's safety equipment and make sure that it is securely fastened. Notify the ride operator of problems.

·         Hold on and ride with eyes forward to protect necks.

·         Don't stand up and don't rock the boat or car. You can fall out or dislodge the car from its path.

·         Dropping or throwing things to or from an amusement ride is never a good idea.

Get Off Safety and Sanely

• Stay completely inside the car until it is stopped and the operator says it is time to get off.

• Watch your step.

• Resist the urge to run to the exit, friends and relatives outside or back to the line to get on again.

• Report injuries and problems to the ride company. The company reports to the State, but call us if necessary at (517) 241-9273.

Be Careful ● Ride Safely ● Have Fun!

Inflatable Rides, Climbing Walls and Bungees - These amusement devices are not regulated by the State of Michigan and their users should exercise extra caution when using them. They all depend heavily on their ride operators for safety. Riders should be sure that they are comfortable with the attentiveness and proficiency of the operator before committing to one of these devices.

Resources - There are many very good amusement ride safety resources for kids and adults.

Two good sites are especially for kids:

·         SaferParks, "Kids Club" - http://www.saferparks.org/kids_club/

·         Disney, "Wild About Safety" - http://disney.go.com/safety/

More adult information can be found in these sites:

·         SaferParks - http://www.saferparks.org

·         Michigan Amusement - http://www.michigan.gov/amusement

·         Canadian Amusement Safety - http://www.safetyinfo.co - amusement rides

·         IAAPA Safety Suggestions - http://www.iaapa.org/fastfacts.asp