PITTSBURGH — Concern over amusement ride safety has grown after a 10-year-old boy was decapitated on a ride in Kansas and three girls fell from a Ferris wheel at a state fair in Tennessee.
Nick Paradise, public relations director of Kennywood Park, said ride inspections are done every day before guest are allowed on them.
"Here in Pennsylvania, we have one of the most stringent safety practices with having to have state-certified inspectors on site," Paradise said.
Seventeen state-certified mechanics are on site to inspect the rides.
During the off-season of each year, each ride is taken apart to be inspected and checked for parts that need replaced.
“Safety is always our first priority. The safety of our guests and team members is always the first priority here at Kennywood,” Paradise said.
Paradise said that if there was any question to a ride’s safety, it would be closed until it could be assured that ride was good to go.
Kennywood Park uses the height recommendations for rides given by the manufactures of the rides.
Park guests can find safety policies and procedures, along with medical condition and limitations can be found on Kennywood’s website for each individual ride. Guests should also follow safety procedures posted at the entrance of the rides.
“Typically throughout the amusement park industry, rides are very, very safe. You’re more likely of being hit by a car than you do of being injured on an amusement park ride.
Cox Media Group
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