Are amusement park rides safe? Here's an inside look at New York's inspection process

Summer in New York means a field day or county fair is headed to your area soon, bringing funnel cakes, cotton candy and traveling rides with it.

But you may wonder if that Ferris wheel or those bumper cars that get set up and torn down all over the country are safe to ride.

Hospital emergency departments saw an estimated 24,013 visits related to injuries from amusement park rides across the U.S. in 2022, the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission reported. Earlier this summer, the Fury 325 roller coaster at Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina, was shut down after videos showing a crack in one of its steel support beams went viral on social media.

In New York, traveling rides are inspected every time they are set up at a new location, according to the Department of Labor.

Stationery rides outside of New York City are inspected at least once a year, the department said.

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Last year, the DOL inspected 7,000 rides across New York. The state is home to more than 50 county and youth fairs that operate between July and September.

Most ride accidents or injuries are preventable, and parents and children should be aware of how to enjoy rides safely and spot those that might be unsafe, Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said in a news release.

Here’s what to know:

How are amusement rides inspected in NY?

An initial ride inspection in New York has three stages. Each individual part and component of each ride brought to a fair or festival site is inspected upon arrival.

Once the ride is assembled, it is inspected again to ensure all pieces have been assembled and secured properly.

A third inspection is conducted as the operator runs the ride and the operator is observed to ensure they are running the ride safely.

Once a ride has fully passed or failed inspection, a white tag is placed on it in full view of fairgoers. The tag includes information about the ride itself, the name of the inspector, the date of inspection and whether the ride passed or failed.

If a ride fails inspection, it is not legally permitted to operate in New York. Rides are continually inspected throughout an event’s duration.

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Tips on how to safely ride in NY

Obey the ride rules: Age, height, weight, and health restrictions are there for a reason. Follow all directions posted on signs, given by ride operators, or announced through recorded messages. If you don't think your child will be able to follow the rules for a ride, do not let them get on. Never sneak children onto rides if they are below the posted height, weight, or age limits.

Buckle up and stay seated: Use all safety equipment the way it was meant to be used, and do not attempt to loosen restraints or leave a ride while it is operating. Don’t assume a ride is safe for children if you hold on to them. Stay seated and/or within the ride restraints until the ride comes to a complete stop and you’re cleared for exit.

Hand off or safely store your belongings: Don’t bring loose items like wallets, glasses, cellphones or hats on the ride with you. If they come loose mid-ride, they can be dangerous to other attendees.

Take breaks: High thrill rides like roller coasters feature high g-forces, which can cause loss of consciousness with repeated exposure. Consider taking breaks between rides.

Be observant: If you observe a ride or ride operator appearing to be unsafe, report it to a venue employee immediately.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Fair rides in NY: How they're inspected, and how you can stay safe