How Safe Are These Rides Really???

[Selina]

Just heard a while ago about the terrible accident at Disney LA on Thundermountain where I think 1 man died and quite a few injured. It's a worry I always have when my children (dd aged 9 and ds aged 7) want to go on them. Have to admit I don't do the Hulk - did go on Spiderman, Jurrassic Park and thought they were great. My son was 5 when he went on Jurassic and twice on Thundermountain!! But how safe are they? Now I'm thinking how often do they all get checked?!

 

[SpideyHulk24]

These rides are tested daily for safety reasons. Unfortunately, however accidents will happen and the one at Disneyland is very unfortunate. It does not happen often (Thank God) and you shouldn't worry about this. Go and have fun.

 

[TigerLilly's Mom]

I worry about this too, my kids are daredevils and will do anything. I always picture the worst case senario WHILE I am riding with them - nice Huh? That being said, I do let them ride what they want with one exception for my little girl - age 5 and 30 pounds. Do you know those flying trapeze swings (nothing to do with IOA or Universal) at the local fairs and amusement parks? Those give me a heart attack!! I can just see her sliding through one of those huge leg holes and landing five miles away! Also, I am reluctant to let my son ride the ones like Dr. Dooms and the other free fall rides since hearing about the little boy that did the Superman one and died.

I did do the Hulk several times with my son and loved it. I felt very secure (would not sit on the outside though).

 

[rocketman23]

B&M coasters have never derailed. If I remember correctly the only death caused by a B&M ride was a safety worker that got kicked in the head by an inverted coaster.

 

[BarryHom]

The rides are very safe. Most injuries and deaths are due to ride neglect (not listening to safety instructions, trying to overcome the safety restraints, etc.). It's extremely rare for a coaster to cause a death. It's also very rare for a plane to crash, your car to get into a fatal accident, you getting hit on the sidewalk, etc.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

All the attractions must pass rigorous safety tests. If they didn't pass, they wouldn't be there. Like Barry said, most injuries are due to someone not following the safety procedures.

 

[phamton]

Originally posted by Barry Hom
The rides are very safe. It's extremely rare for a coaster to cause a death.

Exactly! Because it is so rare is the reason it is in the news right now. If it were a car accident in LA where 10 people were injured and one was killed, it would probably make the local news and nothing else.

I feel safer at the parks than I do travelling I-4 in Orlando to just get to the parks. Life is full of accidents just waiting to happen. I would be lying if I didn't say I am a little nervous about riding BTMRR the next time I go to WDW. I also feel terrible about those who were injured/killed and their families. Fear just goes along with the knowledge of our own mortality, but I will face my fears and ride BTMRR again and I will drive on I-4.

 

[Selina]

Thanks for the reassurance. These boards are great for that.

 

[daywalker]

It's already covered above but just think amount the amount of rides each coaster takes a day and how many people they carry. I'd say it's safere than crossign a road on foot or driving a car
Just enjoy yourselves