Roller coasters are a popular attraction in theme parks all around the world, giving riders of all ages an exhilarating rush. However, issues regarding safety have been brought up due to the high speeds and heights of these rides. Has anyone ever perished on a roller coaster? is a common concern. The answer is indeed. Though they are statistically safe, accidents can and do happen on roller coasters. The National Safety Council reported that 1,146 injuries on amusement park rides occurred in the US in 2019, with 20 of those injuries being deemed “serious.” Two people died riding amusement park rides in the same year. One of the most well-known roller coaster mishaps happened in 2016 at Dreamworld, an Australian amusement park. On the Thunder River Rapids ride, four individuals perished when their raft capsized. The safety precautions and rules in place at theme parks around the world have received attention as a result of this catastrophe.
Despite the dangers, families and thrill seekers continue to frequent amusement parks as vacation spots. And as technology develops, roller coasters grow in size, speed, and complexity. But these improvements come at a steep price. Giga coasters, which are roller coasters that are taller than 300 feet, can cost up to $30 million to construct. This excludes the price of routine maintenance and safety checks, which are required to guarantee riders’ safety.
So, do theme parks turn a profit? In most cases, the answer is yes. IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, estimates that the value of the world’s amusement parks was $50 billion in 2019. But not all parks are successful. Small parks and those with out-of-date attractions may have trouble drawing people and making money.
In conclusion, even though riding roller coasters can be dangerous, theme parks go to great lengths to protect their visitors. Accidents do happen, but they are not very common. Although the amusement park sector is lucrative, the cost of building and maintaining the rides is significant. Despite the dangers and expenses, amusement parks continue to be a well-liked and well-known source of entertainment for millions of people worldwide.