Amusement Park Protocol Seems Completely UNSAFE in New York State?

Do you think that amusement parks in New York State need tighter laws? There are laws about how often some of these rides need to be inspected in the State.

Some states don't have any protocol when it comes to inspection of rides for amusement parks or lawn fetes.

Here's the problem. They pick up the rides for lawn fetes and re-set them up over and over and over again. Are we sure that they are set correct every time?

Did you know that rollercoaster and amusement rides are not federally regulated? It is up to the individual states to regulate and inspect rides. There is database that includes zoos, sporting events, amusement parks and wherever rides might be.

When you go to a lawn fete or a fair in New York State, every single ride at a fair is inspected at every setup by the New York State Department of Labor. You will see an inspection tag that is visible to riders. Big fairs, such as the Erie County Fair in Western New York, also have an independent inspector in addition to the New York State Department of Labor check.

When it comes to amusement parks, New York State law is that rides only need to be inspected yearly. According to the New York State website:

Department employees inspect all rides at stationary amusement parks at least once a year, and rides at traveling fairs or carnivals are inspected every time the ride is set up in a new location. A ride cannot be operated without a permit from the Department of Labor. For details please see New York State Department of Labor's Code Rule 45.

 

All amusement rides that pass inspection and are safe to ride will have a DOL inspection tag that is visible at the ride’s point of entry.

EXTRA: You know the fish toss game that you see at fairs and lawn fetes in New York State? Can they legally let you WIN live fish? Here is the full law according to New York State.