How to Stay Safe on Roller Coasters
Roller coasters are a perennially-popular funfair and fairground ride that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There are huge rollercoasters for teens and adults that evoke white knuckle and thrill rides, as well as smaller kid-friendly versions such as the Apple Coaster. However, whether they're a children's funfair ride or one for older thrillseekers, the rollercoaster is a safe ride that can be enjoyed in confidence. Just stick to a few essential safety rules and you'll have no problems!
Roller Coaster Safety Tips
Stay Inside the Carriage at All Times
Keep your body inside the roller coaster carriage while the ride is in motion. You should only stand up and leave the carriage when the funfair ride has come to a complete stop. Resist the urge to raise your hands in the air - hold on to the safety bar, instead.
Take a break between rides
Avoid jumping from rollercoaster to rollercoaster, or riding the same rollercoaster repeatedly without a break. Give your body the chance to stretch and recover from the unusual forces and strains it's been under.
Only use reputable funfair ride operators
If you don't feel comfortable about a funfair ride, then don't use it. If the funfair attendant appears to be intoxicated, or if the ride doesn't seem to have been well-maintained, give it a miss. You will want to use companies that keep their roller coasters and funfair rides at a high quality, and that have insurance and all relevant safety documentation. In the UK, you will want to use a funfair operator who is part of the ADIPS scheme.
Pay attention to any height and weight restrictions
These restrictions are in place for your safety. The guard rails, safety bars or harnesses may not fit you properly if you are too large or small for the roller coaster. Please don't take offence if the funfair operator tells you that you are not able to ride!
Secure loose items
Empty your pockets and take off your glasses and any headwear. It's best to leave these loose items in a bag at the rollercoaster platform, or to hand them to a friend, but if this is not possible, keep them in a zipped or buttoned-up pocket. Don't take any loose items such as handbags or purses on to the roller coaster. You should also remove loose clothing that may get caught in the mechanics of the ride, such as scarves and ties.
Do not ride rollercoasters if you have certain pre-existing health conditions
Typically, rollercoasters should not be used by people who have broken bones, pregnant people, people with heart disease or cardiovascular issues, people recovering from surgery, people with epilepsy, and people with neck or back conditions.
Listen and adhere to all operator instructions
The funfair ride operator will have been fully-trained on the safe use of the roller coaster and will know the ride inside and out. Almost all rollercoaster injuries are a result of rider error.
Sit up straight
Sit properly in the rollercoaster seat. You don't want to be twisted around, as this may make the safety features less effective. Keep your head facing straight forwards to avoid neck injuries.
Stay out of restricted areas
Roller coasters - even children's roller coasters - have restricted areas, which are usually hidden behind a fence. Do not climb over fences or attempt to enter restricted areas. If you need to recover something from a restricted area, such as lost property, inform the ride operator, who should be able to safely retrieve your items on your behalf.
If you have any more questions or would like more roller coaster safety tips, please contact us!
