Summer is fasting approaching, there are 400 amusement parks and attractions located in the United States. These parks see an estimated 335 million visitors each year, but one 1 in 16 million will suffer a serious injury.It was reported that in 2015 there were 1,508 serious injuries, which is an overnight hospital, an in 2016 there were 1,253 serious injuries.

This number does not include deaths and does not include any amusements that are mobile, moving from location to location. So who is responsible for the safety of the visitors at amusement parks?

Federal Consumer Product Commission at one time regulated both fixed-site amusement parks, such as Disney and Six Flags and also mobile carnivals and fairs. Congress in the 1980s revoked the authority of the FCPC and put fixed-sites under state and local control. There isn't one body nationally that oversees regulations that are left to the state and local governing bodies, and not every state took up the regulations.

So what should you do before deciding to go to an amusement park? Parents need to learn how rides are being inspected, by whom, and how often. This allows the parents to make an informed decision about whether or not to take the risk.

Some of the worst theme park accidents have occurred in the United States, beginning in 1930 The Big Dipper in Omaha Nebraska, these roller coaster cars came loose from the tracking plummeting to the ground killing 4 and critically injuring 17. The Ohio State Fair, marine recruit 18-year-old Tyler Jarr was killed when the Fireball malfunctioned causing a row of seats to detach from the ride midair and smashed into a metal support beam.

The Tidal Wave Pool, known as "the Grave Pool," in Action Park, Nj has seen 6 people die since its opening in 1978. These victims died from drowning, electrocution and cardiac arrest.

The next two accidents are what I would consider the worst, the first one occurred on May 11, 1984, a haunted house at Six Flags Great Adventure Park in Nj, a fire started and it spread quickly due to the wind tunnels that passed through the structure.The walls of the burning building started melting, leaving 8 teenagers trapped beyond recognition.

The haunted house didn't have a proper sprinkler system and the haunted house made it dark and difficult to see, the narrow passageways made it impossible to escape. It was never determined whether the fire was arson or accidental. The second one I believe is one of the worst was August 2016 in Kansas City, 10-year-old Caleb Schwab was decapitated while riding a 168ft high waterslide. He flew out of the slide, hitting the net that enclosed the ride.

What are some causes of accidents? There are three main causes of accidents, negligence on the part of the guest, whether intentional or not, negligence on part of the park either by the operator or the ride's safety. The final cause could be a diagnosed or not medical issue or a preexisting medical condition, such as high blood pressure, heart illness, and recent back or neck injuries.

Amusement parks are meant to be fun, just be educated about the park that you are visiting.