The release of the film Final Destination 3 on DVD is a timely reminder to theme park fans of the dangers inherent in their favourite rides. With 6 theme park deaths this year in the US and the UK(including an engineer at Gulliver's theme park in Milton Keynes), as well as numerous accidents(including one a Alton Towers in which several people were injured) potential visitors need a reality check concerning the dangers. There is no such thing as a 100% safe theme park ride. And accidents are more common than you think according to the list of Verified Injury and Accidents at Theme Parks maintained by Theme Park Insider. A number of the incidents of death and illness on U.S. theme parks might be attributable to riders not taking note of the health warnings posted outside the rides. Some undoubtedly had prior medical conditions which should have excluded them from the ride. Increasing obesity amongst adults and children is thought to be a contributing factor in the U.S and the same health trend is apparent in the U.K. So is it time for the theme parks themselves to vet the riders before they board? Should theme parks introduce weight restrictions as well as height restrictions? We cannot expect the average spotty youth that you find posted at the head of a theme park ride queue to make a medical judgement but if someone is obviously obese and red in the face should they be asked to sign something before they board the ride? I can't see it happening, so the onus has to remain on the rider. Unfortunately there is often a high level of peer pressure amongst families and groups of youths during a visit to a theme park and there is no doubt that some individuals find themselves on rides that they are not happy to be on. So take care. Remember that theme parks can be dangerous places. Think carefully about your own health before you visit and take note of the health and safety warnings posted at each ride. |
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