News – Page 9 – Kathryn Woodcock, PhD CCPE ICAE PEng

August 2021 Ride Report Recap

As amusement attraction attendance increases the number of people exposed to rides, we expect the number of media reports to increase. As of the last update, there were 10 included reports, plus three (3) excluded reports recapped, one stalled ride treated as “news”, and one previously un-recapped report from a prior period.

VelociCoaster behind-the-scenes

One of the best benefits in the themed entertainment industry is the professional development opportunities. The highlight of the summer was a behind-the-scenes event with the Themed Entertainment Association hosted by Universal Creative at the new VelociCoaster in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, at Universal Orlando Resort.

Newsweek

This piece in Newsweek reports on a roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highlands that reportedly has unusual number of riders sustaining fractured bones.

Coverage of Six Flags accident in NJ and other unrelated metrics

A report in NJ.com covered reported accidents at various Six Flags theme parks.

Media coverage (Broadcast)

These media hits were recorded prior to website migration. Any links were valid when posted but we cannot assure all expired links are promptly removed.

Media coverage (Print)

These media pieces were published prior to website migration. Any links were valid when posted but we cannot assure all expired links are promptly removed. Internet search may locate items that have moved.

July 2021 Ride Report Recap

As amusement attraction attendance increases the number of people exposed to rides, we expect the number of media reports to increase. The monthly recap will be updated periodically through the month, until the recaps resume weekly posts.

June 2021 Ride Report Recap

The pandemic-suppressed operation of amusement attractions has in turn suppressed the occurrence of patron injuries, as reflected in media coverage. However, as attractions worldwide resume operations, the number of media-reported cases has slightly increased. There were 13 covered events from June and 5 reports from previous periods that had not been recapped.

A mountain coaster is not a roller coaster

The case of an injury on the Branson Coaster

Like many reports covered in the RRRR database, multiple media reports used imprecise terminology that has real implications for potential misunderstanding of hazards to the public. While it is understandable that a reporter may not know the difference when beginning to collect information for a report, it is irresponsible to be cavalier about terminology in the published version. Any hazards that may be implicated in this case have no relevance to “roller coasters”.

May 2021 Ride Report Recap

The pandemic-suppressed operation of amusement attractions has in turn suppressed the occurrence of patron injuries, as reflected in media coverage. There were two (2) reported cases from May, plus two (2) cases from previous periods not previously recapped.