Copyright Kathryn Woodcock
Safety always comes first when riding amusement rides, says Kathryn Woodcock, a professor at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. She’s the director of the THRILL Lab (Tools for Holistic Ride Inspection Learning and Leadership) program where students study the application of human factors engineering (also called ergonomics) to enhance amusement rides and attractions. A registered Professional Engineer, Kathryn is an expert on amusement ride safety as a participating member of the ASTM F24 committee on amusement rides and devices.
Millions of tourists flock to amusement parks every year because they like being scared in a safe environment. Engineers do their best to mitigate all potential safety issues but riders are still responsible for their own safety. There are theme park injuries and amusement park accidents. You have to take responsibility into your own hands. If something doesn’t seem right or looks unsafe to you, tell a park employee immediately. Kathryn has listed several tips for parents and children for having a fun and safe day at the amusement park this summer. One of the most obvious tips is to simply follow the rules. It’s easy to let your guard down while having fun at an amusement park but you have to remember these rides are machines and machines can fail.
Read Kathryn’s tips on amusement park safety.
Be sure to follow Kathryn on Twitter. @THRILL_Lab and @safeandsilent
Click here to learn more about THRILL Lab.
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