By: William Supko
Once again an article has surfaced stating something along the lines of “a ride has malfunctioned causing a train to stall around 200 feet in the air”. Add in a long wait to get off, the fact that it's the third time in a week and fail to mention that this happens daily in the amusement industry and it's a perfect media storm.
Once again an article has surfaced stating something along the lines of “a ride has malfunctioned causing a train to stall around 200 feet in the air”. Add in a long wait to get off, the fact that it's the third time in a week and fail to mention that this happens daily in the amusement industry and it's a perfect media storm.
You end up with comments like “no
way”, “they're not safe” and “tear them all down”. How
about instead of trying to generate fear and panic amongst amusement
park goers we educate them on how these extreme scream machines
operate, and operate VERY safely.
There were approximately 67 deaths from
both mobile and fixed amusement devices in the United States from
1987 to 2004. This means there is far more risk of death while traveling to the amusement park
than there is once your inside the gates.
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| A block check is preformed on Fury325 before it's open to the public every day. |
You may be wondering why this ride
would halt on the lift if these rides are so safe. The reason for
the stoppage is a preventative measure. Sensors around the ride
monitor the roller coasters speed and location throughout the ride on
most rides. Sensors on the ride can determine if the lap bars are up
or down, if the air gates are open or closed, if equipment is
functioning properly (including the lift chain, air compressors and
braking components). If any of these functions fail the ride will
shut itself down to prevent any serious accidents.
