Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Offers Tips to Help Riders Remain Safe in Advance of Amusement Ride Safety Week

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Adventure seekers looking for thrills on amusement rides and attractions across Pennsylvania are reminded to follow basic guidelines to help ensure they remain safe, said Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding today.

Redding noted that Governor Edward G. Rendell has proclaimed May 31 – June 6 as "Amusement Ride Safety Week" in Pennsylvania.

"Visiting amusement parks and fairs is a fun way to spend time with family, but everyone should take precautions to ensure each ride experience is a safe one," Redding said during an event at Hersheypark. "While trained inspectors work hard behind the scenes to ensure the mechanical safety of amusement rides, riders must do their part to stay out of harm's way."

Redding offered the following safety tips for parents and children as they visit amusement parks, fairs and other operations this summer:

• Look for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania registration plate on the ride and the public notice sign that reports it has been inspected according to Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Act standards.
• Before getting in line for the ride, check boarding restrictions, including medical, height and weight restrictions. Do not ignore restrictions.
• Listen carefully to ride operator instructions. Operators are trained to keep riders safe.
• Make sure ride operators are alert. Their job is to be aware of the ride operation and of rider actions. Never board a ride if the operator appears to be inattentive.
• Stay in to stay safe. Keep your arms, hands, feet and legs inside the ride at all times. Always stay on the ride until it comes to a complete stop.
• Use shoulder harnesses, seat belts, lap bars or chains appropriately in order to keep children secure.
• Know your child's capabilities and take an active role in determining whether a ride is appropriate for a child. Take responsibility and tell your child what acceptable ride behavior is before boarding the ride.
• Always supervise your child on a ride. Ask the operator to stop the ride if you see that your child is crying or shows any other signs of distress.
• Stop riding before you get tired. Tired riders are more likely to be injured than non-drowsy riders.
• Stay hydrated. Not getting enough fluid can increase your risk of injury or illness on some rides.

The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards registers more than 7,700 amusement rides and attractions – more than any other state or foreign country – and certifies and trains the state's nearly 1,400 private industry inspectors.

The department has inspected and registered amusement rides under the Amusement Ride Safety Act since 1984 and regularly participates in education and outreach seminars that include classes and hands-on demonstrations for ride operators and inspectors.

Amusement rides are a staple of Pennsylvania's 115 county and community fairs. For a complete listing of the state's fairs, including locations and dates, view the 2010 Pennsylvania Fair Guide online at www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

For more information about ride safety or the Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards, call 717-787-6772 or visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and search, "Amusement Rides."

Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture