BIA (Brain Injury Association) cites numerous state and local regulations, latest technologies, and…
BIA (Brain Injury Association) cites numerous state and local regulations, latest technologies, and regular rigorous insurance examinations as evidence of industry`s commitment to safety. BIA panel finds the risk of brain injury from a roller coaster is not in the rides and says it is unlikely that a federal agency could match the amusement park industry`s success in ensuring the safety of guests.
Time to move on to real issues facing America and leave families alone to enjoy amusement parks.
The report by the Brain Injury Association reaffirmed the findings of two independent scientific studies released a month ago that roller coasters are safe and present no public health risk. The BIA, in fact, heralded the impressive safety record of the amusement park industry and called it unlikely that any federal agency could match the industry`s efforts to keep its guests safe.
Today`s report affirms the objective, scientific studies of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and of Exponent Failure Analysis, both of which conclusively demonstrated that roller coasters are safe and that amusement parks are one of the safest forms of recreation a family can enjoy, said Clark Robinson, President of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).
All available science proves that parks and rides are safe, Robinson said. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons concluded that rides present no public health risk. The engineers of Exponent Failure Analysis demonstrated that g-forces of roller coasters are no greater than that of a sneeze or skipping rope. Former NASA astronauts have described comparisons of roller coasters to the space shuttle as `hogwash.` The University of Pennsylvania found no health risk associated with the g-forces of roller coasters. And now the Brain Injury Association calls it `unlikely` that a federal agency could match our impressive safety record.
Politicians who claim otherwise fly in the face of hard science and common sense. It`s time for those politicians to move on to the more important issues facing our nation.
Dr. Rhea Seddon, an emergency physician, former space shuttle astronaut and mother of four children, said, I am a doctor, astronaut and, more importantly, a mother. I have examined the science in great detail. I have visited the parks and met with safety engineers and inspectors. Amusement parks pass the Mom Test and I know that enjoying the thrills of an amusement park is one of the safest activities I can enjoy with my family.
Robinson said he was pleased that the BIA recognized the exhaustive safety efforts of the industry. This study was conducted at the request of Representative Ed Markey, a longtime advocate of federal regulation of fixed amusement park rides, Robinson said. In view of the panel`s findings, and the industry`s commitment to ongoing monitoring of trend data, I am hopeful that the Representative will conclude that his legislation is not necessary. Scarce federal resources should be directed to areas of genuine need, and should not be used to duplicate state regulation and industry efforts that, by all accounts, are working well.
The BIA report refuted the myth that the amusement park industry is unregulated, and noted in its report that most states that have amusement rides operating within their jurisdictions have enacted legislation that regulates their use. The BIA also noted the industry-wide standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials as evidence of the amusement park industry`s commitment to safety.
Through years and years of partnerships with state and local officials and inspectors, and through our work in supporting the ASTM national standards, we have forged one of the safest industries and safest forms of enjoyment possible for American families, Robinson said. This has been our moral responsibility and is the cornerstone of our business.
Dr. Gregory Henry, a physician and former President of the American College of Emergency Physicians rebuffed calls for federal regulation as unnecessary. The amusement park industry, by all accounts and by all verifiable science, is incredibly safe. There is no public benefit to be gained through unnecessary federal regulation. We are at the brink of war. Our economy is sputtering. International terrorists threaten our liberties. We face serious health care issues. No doubt, all of our time could be better spent on real issues facing America.
While no trends exist today, in order to monitor for any future trends, IAAPA initiated a voluntary incident reporting process last year. Data from parks is being collected by an independent auditing firm and is expected to be released later this year. The industry is in the best position to accomplish this task and I am confident that the data will add to existing public documentation that demonstrates the safety of our industry, Robinson said. Parks have a long history of reporting incidents to state and local bodies throughout the country and working with government officials and inspectors in a partnership to ensure the safety of our guests. As an industry, we shall remain ever vigilant in our commitment to monitor and ensure ride safety in the future.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
