The following questions and answers were developed to provide safety information regarding the U.S., fixed-site amusement industry. Fixed-sites include amusement parks, theme parks, waterparks, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums and museums. It does not include carnivals, festivals and fairs.

Questions and Answers About Park and Ride Safety

Are amusement parks and rides regulated?
Parks conduct a comprehensive set of inspections every day, amplifying their operational and training procedures with standards developed by ride manufacturers and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), an independent body that has developed national ride safety standards for 26 years. These programs are then checked, regulated, and re-inspected by a combination of state or local government agencies, insurance companies, and/or private safety firms. In short, the U.S. fixed-site amusement industry is a responsible, regulated one, and every facility is subject to one or more layers of outside examination.

Are amusement park rides safe?
The safety record resulting from the current oversight system is exceptional. In 2003, U.S. amusement facilities with fixed rides hosted more than 300 million guests who took more than one and a half billion rides. Based on both government and independent data, more than 99.99% of these patrons enjoyed their rides without any incident whatsoever.

When an incident does occur, does the industry share information to help prevent future mishaps?
There are many procedures involving the facilities, manufacturers, and government agencies that result in the reporting of possible or actual problems regarding ride safety. In addition, the ASTM standards require reporting within the industry of both incidents and ride-related defects, including notification of facilities when a ride develops a manufacturer-related safety issue. Data is also exchanged among the network of state and local regulatory officials spread across the country. This process, along with the information-sharing role that insurance providers, industry seminars, and the ASTM all play, ensures that redesigns, new standards and upgrades are communicated on a nationwide basis.

How are ride staff at amusement parks trained?
Parks have formalized and validated training procedures, and only after employees earn the required authorization through this training process are they then permitted to staff a ride. These procedures are established by the facility working together with manufacturers and insurers, and in accordance with relevant public laws and ASTM standards.

How can I be a partner in safety while enjoying rides and attractions? How can I help my child(ren) become safety partners?
Refer to our tips for visiting amusement facilities located HERE. It is especially important to follow all written and verbal safety rules at the park and at each ride.