Are roller coasters pushing the limit? About This Page:

[Mr. Beaner]

I found this on mnsbc.com thought some might find it intresting

web page http://www.msnbc.com/news/753801.asp

New Jersey first state to propose G-force limits for rides

By Robert Hager
NBC NEWS

May 17 — Part of the thrill of riding a roller coaster is the speed and intensity of the experience. But should the average amusement park visitor be subjected to forces sometimes greater that those felt by astronauts at lift-off? One state has now proposed the beginning of the end for roller coaster rides with no limits

NORGENIA KELLEY believes she suffered a brain injury, after she was whipped around on a roller coaster.
“I went to look in the mirror and I couldn’t see half of my face in the mirror because my vision was blurring and it was pretty terrible,” says Kelley.
As rides push 100 miles-an-hour and grow ever wilder, some ask how much the body and brain can endure.
Astronauts lifting off feel a crushing force of three Gs That means their bodies feel three-times heavier than normal. Indy 500 drivers feel three Gs as well. But riders on most roller coasters feel four Gs or more — some feel close to six.

Now New Jersey is about to become first in the United States to propose a regulation slapping a limit on G-forces on roller coasters. And what New Jersey does may one day become the standard for other states.
The New Jersey plan is based on military experiments, car crash tests and studies abroad. On Monday, New Jersey will propose caps of 2.5 to six Gs vertically — depending on how long the Gs last — and one to 2.5 Gs side to side.
Congressman Ed Markey says about time.
“We have right now in America, a roller coaster arms race where each amusement park advertises that they have the fastest, the most dangerous ride,” says Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass.
There have been deaths and injuries, but doctors disagree on whether they were caused by G-forces alone, asking if there were pre-existing weaknesses in the victim’s brain.
Amusement park operators say exposure to maximum Gs is fleeting. Gary Story is the president of the Six Flags amusement park chain.
“G-forces on roller coasters last for nano-seconds,” says Story.

But Story says the industry won’t oppose G-force standards and believes current rides already comply.
“No one cares any more than we do about the safety of our guests in the park and we are all about safety, we are all about science and studying these issues,” says Story.
As parks ready another season, the goal is both safety and thrills — controlling the Gs without spoiling the gee-whiz.

[AKLRULZ]

Walt, I just saw this on the NBC Nightly News and I personally think it's ludicrous! So many people are lawsuit crazy and I think some negative attention has been focused on the Amusement Park industry. I'm not saying there is not a need for regulation, but come on, a restriction of G Forces that impact you for a nano-second? I guess my opinion is don't ride if you are concerned.

Thanks for the link! This should definitely provide some good, interesting conversation!

[patty c.]

I saw the advertisement for the news show and though "Ooohhh, maybe I should watch that." Then I thought "Nah, I'd rather live in denial." [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

As long as the accident rates are lower than that of getting in a car I'll ride it! And speaking of car accidents. Would you believe that after my stinky (literally) week of bizarr-o accidents around the house, my 16 year old neighbor rear-ended me tonight at the stoplight. (Hitting the rental car I have while mine is being fixed). When it rains it pours. (Needless to say, I won't be riding any coasters THIS week.)

[ 05-17-2002, 09:58 PM: Message edited by: patsy-c ]

[Kruggie]

I have to say...... GIVE ME MAXIMUM G'S......OR GIVE ME DEATH! If I happen to blow an anyerism (sp?) while riding....I died with a smile on my face!

Perhaps they should just post warning signs.."if you think you possibly could have a health condition that could cause your brain to explode if subjected to highspeeds and sharp turns..please do not ride"

I think that everyone should have to have a written statement from their physician and a current brain scan before entering amusement parks stating that they are not likely to die on the ride. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

I look foreward to reading that article!

[AKLRULZ]

Kruggie, I love your mantra!! LOL!!!

[sammycat699]

I think to some degree coasters are getting a bit too wild. However, I know when not to ride. When I was at Cedar Point 3 years ago I skipped most of the coasters.
I don't think we need a law to control the speed or the g forces. As long as the coasters are safe that should be enough.
Give me Hershey's Supper Dupper Looper or Busch Gardens Loc Ness Monster. That's wild enough for me. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]