Amusement Ride Safety in South Carolina: What the Law Requires — and Where Risks Remain

Before your family heads to the fair, learn how rides are inspected, what the law requires, and what to look for to keep your children safe. Every fall, families across South Carolina head to local fairs and festivals for food, laughter, and a little thrill. Still, recent headlines remind us that even the most joyful traditions can carry risks.

Just last month, two young girls in Louisiana were thrown from a Ferris wheel during a harvest festival. A witness told reporters, “Someone didn’t do something right, that’s for sure.”

A few days later, reports surfaced from Kansas City that a young girl riding a roller coaster at Worlds of Fun had to be physically held on by a couple in the seats in front of her after her seat belt failed. The next day, another guest reported a similar malfunction on the same ride.

What these stories have in common is the same unsettling truth: even one overlooked safety measure can change everything.

The Numbers Tell the Story

A study by Nationwide Children’s Hospital analyzed 20 years of data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and revealed alarming trends in amusement ride injuries among children and teens. An average of 4,400 children under the age of 18 were treated in emergency rooms for ride-related injuries each year. Head and neck injuries accounted for more than one in four cases. 

This study, published in 2013, remains the most comprehensive national analysis of amusement ride injuries among children in the U.S., covering data through 2010. While more recent incident reports and limited studies exist, no equivalent nationwide dataset has been released since. There are currently no publicly published statistics detailing amusement ride injuries within South Carolina.

Ride-Related Dangers You Should Know

While fair rides are subject to inspection and oversight, they are not without risks — particularly at temporary fairs and traveling carnivals where equipment is frequently assembled and disassembled.

• Mechanical failure: Malfunctions can lead to catastrophic events such as a ride detachment, sudden stop, or structural collapse. Portable rides, which are taken apart and moved from one fairground to another, are especially vulnerable to wear and tear.

• Operator negligence: Inattentive or exhausted operators can pose a major risk. Before you ride, take a moment to observe the operator. Do they seem alert and attentive? If anything feels “off,” report it to fair officials or choose another ride.

• Structural issues: Poor maintenance — like rust, loose bolts, or corrosion — can cause components to fail. Although inspectors are required to check rides, some industry insiders have raised concerns about whether these inspections are consistent or thorough enough, especially during busy fair seasons.

Regulations and Oversight

Under South Carolina law, every amusement device must be inspected annually by the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) Office of Elevators and Amusement Rides. Each ride must also display a current operating permit in a visible location on or near the ride. The scheduling of these annual inspections is the responsibility of ride owners, who must coordinate directly with licensed inspectors. To help the public verify compliance, LLR provides an online lookup tool where anyone can confirm whether a ride has a valid operating permit. LLR also performs random audits of amusement rides in addition to the required inspections. These safeguards are part of the South Carolina Amusement Rides Safety Code, set forth in Title 41, Chapter 18, Article 1 of the South Carolina Code of Laws.

How to Protect Your Family at the Fair

While no one can eliminate every risk, there are simple precautions that can make a big difference:

• Watch each ride before getting on — are all restraints being used properly?

• Don’t ignore your instincts if something looks unsafe.

• Speak up immediately if a seatbelt or bar doesn’t feel secure.

• Avoid rides that appear damaged, poorly staffed, or rushed between riders.

• Know where first aid and security are located in case of emergency.

If You or Your Child Are Injured on an Amusement Park Ride

1. Report it right away. Notify ride operators or fair officials as soon as the incident occurs.
2. Insist on an incident report. Make sure an official record is created and request a copy if possible.
3. Take photos and videos. Capture the ride, your injuries, and the surrounding area to preserve evidence.
4. Gather contact information for witnesses. Their statements may be important later.
5. Seek medical care. Internal injuries and concussions may not show symptoms immediately, so get evaluated by a healthcare professional even if injuries seem minor.

When Joy Turns to Trauma — Accountability Matters

At Palmetto State Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen how quickly a day of fun can become a day of fear. Families trust that the rides their children board have been properly built, inspected, and maintained. When that trust is broken, it’s not just about one malfunction — it’s about every life placed at risk.

If you or someone you love has been injured at a fair, carnival, or amusement park, we can help you understand your rights and hold negligent parties accountable. Because behind every headline is a family whose life changed in an instant — and they deserve answers, justice, and peace of mind.