When people typically think of an accident occurring at an amusement park, fair or carnival they typically initially envision a large thrill ride, like a rollercoaster, causing the accident and resultant injury. Some people may avoid large thrill rides entirely while riding smaller, gentler rides. They may believe that only riding relatively ‘tame’ attractions may reduce their injury risk. Unfortunately, injuries can occur in a broad array of circumstances and a person’s perceptions of risk is not always accurate.
Carousels: the Most Dangerous Attraction at Fairs and Carnivals
A study published in the Clinical Pediatrics Journal investigated childhood injuries involving rides and amusement park attractions between the years 1990 and 2010. The study analyzed data reported by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System where approximately 93,000 children sought treatment at a n emergency room following a ride or amusement injury. The data revealed that injuries were the most common on the venerable carousel with it accounting for 20.9% of all injuries. For a better sense of context other leading sources of injury included:
- Rollercoasters at 10% of injuries
- Bumper cars at 4% of injuries
While injuries can happen anywhere that people are present, certain actions can greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident. These steps can include:
- Following all posted instructions or warnings including height and weight restrictions
- Accompanying your child on the ride, if appropriate and permitted
- Utilizing all safety equipment properly
- Keep hands and feet within the ride or car at all times
- Avoid rides that are set up above a hard or unpadded surface
Common types of Merry-Go-Round Injuries
While no two accident or incidents are alike, there are certain injuries that are produced more often than others. A study published in Clinical Pediatrics reveals that bumps and bruises makes up a plurality of all amusement park injuries at 29%. Sprains and strains account for the second-most injuries at 21%. Cuts were close behind at 20 %. Bone fractures made up 10% of all amusement park injuries and the catch-all “other” accounts for the remaining 20%.
What Causes Amusement Park Injuries?
A variety of reasons can cause or contribute to an amusement park injury. One of the most common reasons for an injury at an amusement park is because the individual fell in, off, or into a ride. Injuries of this type are up 31.7% of all amusement park injuries. Secondly, another reason for the common injury vector is due to riders striking their body parts against a wall of the ride. Injuries to body parts, for this reason, accounted for nearly 20% of all injuries. Another reason of injury that accounted for more than 2% of injuries included clothing caught in a ride, injury when they board or exit a ride, and being struck by a ride.
What Should I do if my child is injured on a Carousel?
First, you should remain clam. By remaining calm and clear-headed you will be able to help your child as much as you are able. First you should ensure that your child is not in danger of sustaining a secondary or tertiary injury due to the ride or other park guests. However if your child appears to have suffered a neck, back or brain injury and he or she is not in danger, the child should not be moved until medical attention arrives. Either simultaneously or as soon as possible, 911 should be called so that medical attention can arrive promptly.
The Reiff Law Firm has represented victims injured in serious accidents for more than 30 years. For your free and confidential merry go round accident consultation, call us at (215) 709-6940 or contact us online.
