Still a Thrill? Contemporary Patterns of Amusement Park Ride-Related Injuries Among U.S. Youth

Skylar Faul, MD
Rebecca Spegele, MD
Michelle Recto, MD
Yin Zhang, MS
Wendy J. Pomerantz, MD, MS

There is limited literature on the incidence and types of injuries associated with amusement park ride use, particularly among pediatric populations. Prior work by Thompson et al. used National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data from 1990-2010 to characterize amusement park-related injuries. Given changes in ride design, safety regulations, and utilization patterns over the last fifteen years, updated analyses are needed. This study evaluates more recent NEISS data to assess contemporary injury patterns.

This retrospective cohort study utilized the NEISS database, a stratified probability sample of approximately 100 U.S. emergency departments. Children and adolescents aged ≥18 years presenting with amusement park ride-related injuries from 2013 to 2024 were included and identified using NEISS product code 1293 and case narratives. Demographic characteristics, injury diagnoses, body regions, mechanisms, ride types, and ED dispositions were analyzed. Sample weights and survey procedures were applied to generate nationally representative estimates accounting for the complex survey design. Descriptive statistics and temporal trend analyses were performed.

An estimated 41,796 amusement park ride-related ED visits occurred nationally among patients aged ≥18 years from 2013-2024, averaging ~3,483 injuries per year. Most injured children were female (59.6%), aged 6–12 years (47.5%), White (46.1%), and non-Hispanic (54.2%). The head and neck were the most injured body region (30.9%), with strains and sprains the most frequent injury type (24.5%), followed by soft tissue injuries (19.1%) and concussion/closed head injuries (14.5%). Falls in, off, or against a ride, or while boarding/exiting, caused 30.7% of injuries. Among cases in which the ride was clearly identified, roller coasters were most often involved (17.4%), although the type of ride was unknown or classified as “other” in 66.6% of cases. Most injuries occurred from June to August, likely correlating with summertime and peak visitation at amusement parks. Carousel/merry-go-round injuries were associated with increased odds of fracture (OR 4.16, 95% CI 2.80–6.18), concussion/closed head injury (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.33–3.22), and hospital admission (OR 4.46, 95% CI 1.69–11.73), while roller coaster injuries demonstrated lower odds of fracture (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.03–0.21).

This study provides updated national estimates and injury patterns among children and adolescents, highlighting ongoing risks from amusement park rides, and aims to inform future safety guidelines, injury prevention efforts, and parental education

Amusement park ride-related injuries continue to result in thousands of pediatric emergency department visits annually in the United States despite advancements in ride technology and safety measures.

Head and neck injuries remain among the most common injury patterns associated with amusement park rides in children and adolescents.

Falls during riding, boarding, or exiting rides represent a major mechanism of injury, highlighting potentially modifiable targets for safety interventions and rider education.