Read and obey all posted rules and restrictions.
- Follow all height/age restrictions and verbal instructions issued by
ride operators. If a child is smaller or larger than the designed
compartment the restraint system may not protect him/her. If you
have any pre-existing medical conditions, check with your doctor
before riding any ride.
Make sure the ride is appropriate for the rider.
- It is
important to understand the dynamics of a ride prior to allowing
children, elderly riders, or people with disabilities to ride.
Most rides, by nature, are physically demanding.
- Make sure
restraints fit well and the rider is secured. Riders of varying
sizes (whether large or small) have a higher risk of injury.
- If a child
or developmentally-disabled rider seems frightened, alert the
operator and remove the individual from the ride immediately.
- Ride with
your child until you're absolutely sure he or she can understand
and follow all of the safety rules. Some rides might not have a
restraint system, so it is important to ensure that your child
is secure.
- Error on
the side of caution when deciding whether or not to allow a
person in your care to ride a ride.
Securely latch all restraints and use grab bars.
- Double-check seat belts, shoulder
harnesses, and lap bars. Hold onto handrails, when provided.
Stay in the "locked and loaded" position for the entire ride cycle.
- The attendant will make
sure you're properly positioned and secured before the ride is
launched. It's your job to maintain that safe position until the
ride comes to a final stop at the unloading point.
- Keep all
body parts and belongings inside the ride at all times. This
includes hands, arms, fingers, legs, feet, toes, long hair,
etc.
- Never
stand up on a roller coaster to get a "bigger thrill", or rock a
vehicle that's not designed to be controlled by riders.
- If a ride
stops temporarily, due to mechanical problems or other reasons,
stay seated and wait for the ride to start up again or for an
operator to give your further instructions.
- Ride
eyes-front to protect your neck. If you've got your head turned
when a sudden change in acceleration occurs, injuries can
result.
Stop riding before you get excessively tired.
- Tired riders are more likely to make a mistake or skip a safety
procedure, and might not have the strength to maintain a proper body
posture.
Drink plenty of fluids throughout your stay at carnival.
- Dehydration can increase your risk
of injury or illness on some rides.
Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Don't board a ride if it looks poorly-maintained or the operator is
inattentive.
- While most
carnivals pay close attention to ride safety, there are
unfortunate exceptions. Follow your instincts. If something
about a ride seems worrisome, don't ride it.
Report any accidents, problems, or safety concerns
to:
- Carnival
management.
- Regulatory
officials, if the ride is subject to public safety oversight.
- State and
federal legislators, if the ride is exempt from public safety
oversight.