Riders Reminded to Stay Safe on Pennsylvania's Amusement Rides

TIPTON, Pa., June 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Adventure seekers looking for thrills on amusement rides across Pennsylvania are reminded to follow basic guidelines to make sure they are safe.

Governor Tom Corbett declared June 23-29 Amusement Ride Safety Week in Pennsylvania.

"Make safety the most important part of your family outing this Fourth of July and all summer long, especially while enjoying the state's amusement rides and attractions," Agriculture Secretary George Greig said during a visit to DelGrosso's Amusement Park in Tipton, Blair County. "By following simple tips, you can make sure you and your family are safe."

Greig said 70 percent of injuries that occur on rides are a result of rider error and offered the following safety tips:

• Look for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania registration plate on the ride and the public notice sign verifying it has been inspected according to Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Act standards.
• Before getting in line for the ride, check and follow boarding restrictions, including those for medical concerns, height and weight.
• Listen carefully to all instructions. Operators are trained to keep riders safe.
• Make sure ride operators are alert. 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 remain on the ride until it comes to a complete stop.
• Use shoulder harnesses, seat belts, lap bars or chains appropriately.
• Stop riding before you get tired. Tired riders are more likely to be injured than alert riders.
• Stay hydrated. Not drinking enough water can increase your risk of injury or illness on some rides.
• When riding with or assisting a child, know their capabilities and take an active role in determining whether a ride is appropriate. Instruct your child on acceptable ride behavior before boarding. 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.

The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards registers more than 9,300 amusement rides and attractions. That is more than any other state or foreign country. It also certifies and trains the state's nearly 2,250 private industry inspectors.

The department has inspected and registered amusement rides under the Amusement Ride Safety Act since 1984. It 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 109 county and community fairs. For a complete listing of the state's fairs, including locations and dates, view the 2013 Pennsylvania Fair Guide online at www.agriculture.state.pa.us by searching "fair guide."

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

Editor's Note: The text of Governor Corbett's proclamation declaring June 23-29 as Amusement Ride Safety Week in Pennsylvania follows.

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is home to more than 9,300 amusement rides and attractions that provide entertainment to millions of visitors at the state's county and community fairs, carnivals and amusement parks, totaling more than any other state or foreign country; and

WHEREAS, to ensure the mechanical and physical safety of amusement rides and their safe enjoyment by all ride patrons, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards administers the state's amusement ride safety program and is a national leader in ride inspection and safety; and

WHEREAS, the department works cooperatively with the amusement ride industry, certifying and training nearly 2,250 professional private industry inspectors to ensure every ride in Pennsylvania is inspected and registered. For quality assurance, an additional staff of inspectors is employed by the commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the commonwealth is committed to amusement ride inspector training and regularly leads and participates in national safety education and outreach programs that include workshops and hands-on demonstrations; and

WHEREAS, consumers play a role in ensuring their own safety while riding amusement attractions. Amusements are best enjoyed as intended, without the addition of rider-added thrills.

THEREFORE, in recognition of the cooperative roles of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the amusement ride industry and ride patrons in keeping amusement attractions safe for all to enjoy, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim June 23-29, 2013 as Amusement Ride Safety Week in Pennsylvania.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture