Theme parks can only do so much
Amanda Neudecker
Issue date: 7/16/08 Section: Opinion
Several weeks ago, a 17-year-old boy was struck by a roller coaster and killed at the Six Flags theme park in Atlanta. The teenager scaled two 6-foot high fences in a restricted area and passed several warning signs while trying to retrieve a hat he had lost on the Batman ride. While this tragedy is highly unfortunate, placing blame on the amusement park is unreasonable.
This particular accident is in no way comparable to last summer's cable-snapping incident on the Superman Tower of Power ride in Kentucky, which was clearly a mechanical error. Both of 16-year-old Kaitlyn Lasitter's feet were severed from her body due to the malfunction.
For some reason, many reports found last summer's case worth mentioning alongside the tragedy in Atlanta. The Kentucky accident shares no obvious connection with the more recent one, aside from them both being terrible accidents.
In the case of the Batman ride, following park rules could have prevented the accident. It is the park's responsibility to make sure every measure is taken to ensure rider and visitor safety, just as it is the park guest's responsibility to adhere to all safety warnings and regulations. While the accident is a great loss, by no means should blame be placed on the amusement park for the tragedy.
Although cases of amusement park accidents vary, this particular one was not of mechanical error or negligence on the part of Six Flags. Park designs and attractions are built on standards and regulations, and there is no evidence that these standards and regulations were neglected.
At what point is the patron or guest responsible for his actions? Climbing over fences is a deliberate action that can cause fatal consequences. Only so many preventative measures can be taken before it is up to the guest to follow instructions and adhere to park rules in order to ensure safety.
More recent reports suggest the teenager was re-entering the park and decided to take a short cut. However, by climbing two tall fences and passing warning signs which clearly labeled the area as restricted, the guest, through no fault of the amusement park, put himself in a dangerous situation, no matter what the reason for doing so was.
There is no evidence that Six Flags didn't follow safety standards or take necessary precautions. The reality of the matter is the park can only do so much before it is the guest's responsibility to follow posted safety rules and avoid restricted areas, all of which are in place to prevent such accidents.
This particular accident is in no way comparable to last summer's cable-snapping incident on the Superman Tower of Power ride in Kentucky, which was clearly a mechanical error. Both of 16-year-old Kaitlyn Lasitter's feet were severed from her body due to the malfunction.
For some reason, many reports found last summer's case worth mentioning alongside the tragedy in Atlanta. The Kentucky accident shares no obvious connection with the more recent one, aside from them both being terrible accidents.
In the case of the Batman ride, following park rules could have prevented the accident. It is the park's responsibility to make sure every measure is taken to ensure rider and visitor safety, just as it is the park guest's responsibility to adhere to all safety warnings and regulations. While the accident is a great loss, by no means should blame be placed on the amusement park for the tragedy.
Although cases of amusement park accidents vary, this particular one was not of mechanical error or negligence on the part of Six Flags. Park designs and attractions are built on standards and regulations, and there is no evidence that these standards and regulations were neglected.
At what point is the patron or guest responsible for his actions? Climbing over fences is a deliberate action that can cause fatal consequences. Only so many preventative measures can be taken before it is up to the guest to follow instructions and adhere to park rules in order to ensure safety.
More recent reports suggest the teenager was re-entering the park and decided to take a short cut. However, by climbing two tall fences and passing warning signs which clearly labeled the area as restricted, the guest, through no fault of the amusement park, put himself in a dangerous situation, no matter what the reason for doing so was.
There is no evidence that Six Flags didn't follow safety standards or take necessary precautions. The reality of the matter is the park can only do so much before it is the guest's responsibility to follow posted safety rules and avoid restricted areas, all of which are in place to prevent such accidents.
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