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Visiting amusement parks is high on the list of most families when they are determining how to spend their free time together. These amusement parks may be the large parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida.

When making plans regarding amusement park visits, do you ever think about safety? Who is responsible for the safety of the rides you and your children may ride and want to enjoy? Are the rides properly maintained? Is the technology up to date? Do the rides have the latest safety equipment? Are the ride operators properly trained? 

These are all questions you should consider before going to the amusement park, not after an accident happens when they become part of the investigation of injuries and death, because these tragedies can, and do, happen at amusement parks.

In 2014 alone, the Amusement Safety Organization reported that there were 300 significant injuries at Florida's major theme parks. These injuries included necks, backs, legs, shoulders, blackouts, trip and fall, and blurry vision. (2014 injuries were up 9 percent over 2013.) Following is the Amusement Safety Organization list of the number of injuries by Florida theme park from 2011 to 2014:

Busch-Gardens Tampa - neck, back, blackouts, leg injuries

2014 - 51; 2013 - 46; 2012 - 17; 2011 - 20

Disney's Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista - neck and back injuries

2014 - 44;  2013 - 41; 2012 - 24; 2011 - 39

Disney's Hollywood Studio, Lake Buena Vista - neck and back injuries

2014 - 38; 2013 - 42; 2012 - 14; 2011 - 6

Disney's Epcot, Lake Buena Vista - blurry vision and back injuries

2014 - 29; 2013 - 24; 2012 - 10; 2011 - 0

Disney's Magic Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista - back and trip and fall

2014 - 26; 2013 - 17; 2012 - 8; 2011 - 9

Legoland, Winter Haven - back, neck and shoulder injuries

2014 - 24; 2013 - 20

SeaWorld, Orlando - slip and fall, leg, chest, blackouts, shoulder injuries

2014 - 41; 2013 - 34; 2012 - 18; 2011 - 8

Universal Studios, Orlando - neck and back injuries

2014 - 47; 2013 - 50; 2012 - 19; 2011 - 22

There are no federal regulatory agencies that oversee amusement park rides and no mandatory federal safety regulation standards or enforcement. It is up to the states to regulate amusement parks within their state. Florida, with so many theme parks, does set safety standards for amusement rides under Statute 616.242. This statute defines amusement rides as:

...any building, structure, or mechanical device or combination thereof through which a patron moves, walks, or is carried or conveyed on, along, around, over, or through a fixed or restricted course or within a defined area for the purpose of giving its patrons amusement, pleasure, thrills, or excitement.

Florida's major theme parks, such as those listed above, are required to report quarterly the details surrounding incidents that are fatal or where the injured person required an overnight hospital visit. (The Florida Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection receives these reports.)

ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials, has recommended safety standards for thrill rides. However, following these standards is voluntary for states. Florida is one of the states that has adopted the ASTM F-24 Standards on Amusement Rides and Devices as part of Statute 616.242. The F-24 committee was established in 1978 and with global participation of 26 countries, has 19 standards for amusement rides. They develop standard methods of test, performance specifications, definitions, maintenance, operations, and practices and guides for amusement rides and devices. and they work closely with IAAPA (International  Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions).

"Compared with the millions of visitors to Florida's large theme parks, the number of accidents may seem small. However, they are not small if they occur to you or a member of your family. No one should go to the park and end up a statistic," said Florida Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. "When enjoying amusement park rides, you should follow the safety tips for your family's protection."

The IAAPA recommends the following safety tips:

• Obey listed age, height, weight, and health restrictions.
• Observe all posted ride safety rules.
• Keep hands, arms, legs and feet inside the ride at all times.
• Remain seated in the ride until it comes to a complete stop, and you are instructed to exit.
• Follow all verbal instructions given by ride operators or provided by recorded announcements.
• Always use safety equipment provided and never attempt to wriggle free of or loosen restraints or other safety devices.
• Parents with young children should make sure that their children can understand safe and appropriate ride behavior.
• Never force anyone, especially children, to ride attractions they don’t want to ride.
• If you see any unsafe behavior or condition on a ride, report it to a supervisor or manager immediately.

"If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of negligence at an amusement park, you should consult our firm for a free consultation," said Attorney Spivey.

Southwest Florida Accident Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.