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Amusement Law: “Thousands Die Each Year in Roller Coaster Deaths”. Come Again???

Opinion

(and I use that term loosely) written by a Kissimmee, Florida personal injury attorney.  "Thousands of people die each year in roller coaster deaths, as a result of a tragic accident or due to the carelessness of others in theme park accidents."  Yes, you read that correctly "thousands of people die each year in roller coaster deaths."  Really?

It did not take me long to scan the internet to find this interesting statistic:  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in its report "Amusement Ride-Related Injuries and Deaths in the , United States: 2005 Update" from September 7, 2005, stated the following as of 2005: From 1987 to 2004, there were an estimated 4.4 amusement ride-related deaths per year.  In total from 1987 through 2004 (with year 2003 and 2004 still incomplete) there were 67 fatalities. These statistics cover all amusement ride-related deaths from fixed sites, mobile sites and unknown site rides.  While these fatalities are tragic, sad and emotionally challenging for ride and business operators in the amusement industry, the industry maintains its course to provide extremely safe fun for all its guests.

Based on the Summary section of the 2008 Attraction Attendance Report by TEA/ERA, total visits to just the top 20 amusement parks in North America was 122.7 million.  If all estimated fatalities happened at these parks, that amount would be 1 death for every 27.9 million visits, more visits than what any North American park experienced during the 2008 season according to this same report. 

Don’t be fooled or scared by these ridiculously false fatality claims by these personal injury attorneys.  The numbers speak for themselves.  Have a fun and safe 2009 riding season !

See also:

Amusement Law: There’s more than bad guys lurking around the corner at a Wild West Show

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