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Traveling carnival rides – the ones that come together and break apart like a giant Erector Set – cause fewer injuries and deaths each year than their permanent theme-park counterparts. Portable amusement rides accounted for 2,500 injuries and one death in 2004 compared to four deaths and 3,400 injuries caused by permanent attractions, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. "I wouldn't sign off on a ride that I wouldn't let my grandchild ride," said Barry Schaible, a safety consultant with RJ Coulter and Associates, which oversees ride operations at the Orange County Fair. "We just can't take that chance." POTENTIAL PROBLEMS THEY CHECK OUT Potholes: There are a lot of miles of highway along the eight-month swing Ray Carmmack Shows takes through the West Coast fair circuit. That's a lot of potholes, rainstorms, trees and other drivers to avoid as rides make their way from show to show. And hey, accidents happen. Rides get bumped around, whacked by trees and even sideswiped by big rigs. Rider interference: Tugging at the series of metal pins and bolts which hold portable rides together is too irresistible for some riders. Pins within reach of riders are secured together by wires. Trips and falls: Getting on and off the rides prove to be some of the biggest challenges for riders – accounting for many ride-related injuries. Electrical shock: Frayed power wires that come in contact with metal ride parts can energize a ride's entire infrastructure and shock riders. Rides must be set up away from storm drainage grates and wires are checked for wear. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Ray Cammack Shows has provided the fair's midway rides for the last decade. Here are some of the things the company does to keep rides safely running.
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