Brain Injury Association report fails to make Markey's case.

Congressman Edward Markey (D.-MA), a proponent of federal regulation for fixed-site amusement park rides, was handed a defeat by the group that he had asked to research the risk of being injured on amusement park rides, especially roller coasters.

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) released its report on Feb. 25. According to press reports, BIAA said it was "unlikely" that any federal agency could match the amusement park industry's efforts to keep its patrons safe.

Markey has long advocated granting jurisdiction over fixed-site amusement park rides to CPSC. Currently CPSC has jurisdiction only over mobile rides.

Clark Robinson, president of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), an industry group, said: "In view of the panel's findings, and the industry's commitment to ongoing monitoring of trend data, I am hopeful that the Representative (Markey) will conclude that his legislation is not necessary." (10)

"Scarce federal resources should be directed to areas of genuine need, and should not be used to duplicate state regulation and industry efforts that, by all accounts, are working well."

The BIAA report cited "numerous state and local" regulations, "latest technologies", and "regular rigorous insurance examinations" as evidence of industry's commitment to safety.

The BIAA panel found "the risk of brain injury from a roller coaster is not in the rides."

IAAPA President Robinson said "through years and years of partnerships with state and local officials and inspectors, and through our work in supporting the ASTM national standards, we have forged one of the safest industries and safest forms of enjoyment possible for American families."

IAAPA recently initiated a voluntary incident reporting process to get a picture of injuries associated with parks. It is collecting the data through an independent auditing firm.

"The industry is in the best position to accomplish this task and I am confident that the data will add to existing public documentation that demonstrates the safety of our industry," Robinson said.

Other groups that have reported favorably recently on the safety of amusement park rides include the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Exponent Failure Analysis, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Gregory Henry, a physician and former President of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said "there is no public benefit to be gained through unnecessary federal regulation ... International terrorists threaten our liberties; we face serious health care issues.

No doubt, all of our time could be better spent on real issues facing America." (11)

(10) "Brain Injury Assoc. Finds No Risk in Rides and Applauds 'Impressive Safety Record' of Amusement Park Industry." News release from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, Alexandria, VA. Feb. 25, 2003.

(11) Ibid.