Roller coaster safety has also experienced growth as the industry has learned more about what the human body can tolerate. There have been engineering improvements that enhance the operation of the modern roller coaster. The amusement industry has learned from past mistakes during the trial and error periods of progression although there can be isolated occurrences of duplicating these past errors. Computers monitor and operate advanced coasters, some systems may calculate forces, restraint devices can have multiple fail safes and padding may accommodate a broader spectrum of internal compartment impact points. These upgraded features can contribute to a safer and more comfortable ride for the general riding population. However, it must be noted that with advanced design and safety features that injuries and sometimes death can continue to occur.

The safety of the roller coaster encompasses a broad field of risk possibilities. Anytime a body is motion a potential for injury exists. The risks associated with an amusement ride such as a roller coaster are often not apparent to the riding public. Statistics often cited by the amusement industry can promote a reassuring image of safety providing the riding public a glimpse of the total picture. These mixed signals can offer a false sense of security in some instances. Correct, precise, and an in-depth analysis is required for an individual ride to understand and appreciate its characteristics including the dynamic features and the risks posed for both the general population and those falling in/out of the warning sign umbrella language. The millions of injury free riders offer little consolation to persons sustaining fractures on a roller coaster and or other serious injury or death. When you are the one involved in the incident, it’s personal and safety statistics probably will not offer very much comfort.

There are three main segments of the population at large that “stand out” when studying exposure to injury and death on roller coasters. Historical data reveals that young children, middle age riders and overweight and/or patrons with unusual proportioned body profiles may be at increased risk.

Some ride designs do not protect or properly accommodate certain children, overweight and/or uniquely proportioned riders. The riders safety is further compromised when park operators do not properly train their staffs and/or the staff doesn’t follow safety protocols. Failure to appropriately handle sensitive issues relating to enforcing ride heights and overweight patrons  and/or other similar personal issues can lead to a disaster. The middle age riders can present a unique and difficult situation. Improper warnings and a vague understanding of the ride’s dynamic characteristics can lead to missteps by this group. These patrons may be returning to an amusement park for the first time since their teenage years looking for similar expectations and outcomes they once experienced. The rides have changed as if they are on “steroids” since the patron’s last visit decades ago and most of the riders have changed as well. It is not unusual for the middle age rider to have conditions that manifest for the first time while riding a roller coaster and the roller coaster may exacerbate the condition and/or become a diagnostician. There is another category of rider that may have unknown health conditions that manifest during a roller coaster ride. Casual observation of today’s roller coasters cannot convey to a potential rider what the actual “feel” of the ride experience will be like. Warning and instructional signs generally do not impart very much useful information for potential riders to make an informed decision regarding any risks associated with the ride.

The average rider doesn’t possess the knowledge to understand the different characteristics and idiosyncrasies of roller coasters operating today. Therefore, it is difficult for them if not impossible to determine what if any risk exposures they may be subjected to.

The amusement industry has grown by leaps and bounds in some segments. There have been engineering improvements but a communication gap continues to exist between the operator and the rider. Greater clarity and consistency in signs is needed that addresses targeted and specific issues that serve as a reflection of the actual operating history of the individual ride. Information needs to be communicated in a meaningful way where riders will have enough knowledge to make an informed choice by understanding what the sign is really trying to convey and how it may affect their person. Most amusement ride safety warnings in the United States do not warn persons who otherwise understand themselves to be healthy, have unknown health conditions, and/or meet the riding requirements for the ride.

There are roller coaster rides where informational signs inform the rider to sit a certain way or hold on only to learn that following the posted requirement during the course of the ride is physically impossible. When the riders ability to maintain postural body control is diminished then the ride has exceeded operational safety boundaries and has pushed the safety envelope.

Bottom line, anyone in any condition at any time can be injured and/or killed on a roller coaster or other amusement rides; if it moves, a risk exists.