Every summer, millions of Americans head to amusement parks and local fairs in search of adrenaline and family entertainment. In Ohio, home to the legendary Cedar Point park, known as the "roller coaster capital of America," rides are an integral part of the culture. However, after a series of high-profile incidents, including technical failures and human errors, the issue of ride safety has become particularly urgent. How does a state famous for its amusement parks ensure visitor safety?
The Ohio Department of Agriculture, unexpectedly responsible for overseeing rides, checks approximately 4,000 pieces of equipment each year — from giant coasters at Cedar Point to temporary carousel rides at county fairs. A team of four inspectors, led by experts such as Brian Boldridge, the department director, works with surgical precision, inspecting every bolt, manufacturer instruction, and safety procedure. "We don't just monitor compliance with standards; we set them," Boldridge said in an interview with The New York Times, emphasizing that their goal is to prevent any accidents.
Nevertheless, the system is not flawless. While accidents leading to injuries must be reported immediately, technical malfunctions of rides do not always fall under this requirement. This creates a gray area where minor but potentially dangerous faults can go unnoticed. David Miran, deputy director of regulatory programs, stresses the importance of visitor vigilance: "If something looks wrong — from an unusual sound to the operator’s behavior — speak up. Your eyes could save a life."
Incidents that attracted public attention underscore this need. In 2022, News 5 reporters documented how ride operators in northeast Ohio were distracted by their phones while working. The story caused a backlash, prompting regulators to issue warnings to three companies operating rides. Additionally, the "Curse of the Siren" ride at Cedar Point, which opened amid high expectations, has repeatedly been criticized for delays and technical issues, further eroding public trust.
Industry insiders note that Ohio, despite its efforts, faces the same challenges as other states: a limited number of inspectors, pressure from operating companies, and the difficulty of inspecting temporary rides, which are often transported from one location to another. "It's like trying to inspect thousands of airplanes each year with a team of four," commented one former inspector anonymously, hinting at the scale of the task.
For visitors planning to spend their weekends at fairs or parks, this serves as a reminder: your safety depends not only on inspectors but also on your own vigilance. While Ohio continues to improve its oversight system, one thing remains unchanged — in the world of attractions, vigilance is the best ticket to safe fun.
