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Safety is a concern for many families who flock to theme parks every year, and in a place where you are supposed to have fun and forget your stress, we do still need to be wary of accidents that can happen both as a result of poor maintenance and those caused by ignoring posted safety rules. If a park doesn't look safe, then use your head and think before you buy. Some of the most common accidents occur at fly by night carnivals that roll through towns in the summer time. They aren't frequently checked, and since the equipment is moved often, their conditions can change often and without warning.

As for the large theme parks that we've all come to know and love, here is a compilation of tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe:

1) Always be aware of where you are in the park, always have a safe zone for everyone to return to if you get separated, and keep your eyes open to the people around you. With that many people around, things can happen quickly in terms of crowd safety, and it is a common place for child abductions. Be aware, and be prepared.

2) Don't run, and teach your children not to run either. Yes, we know you're excited, everyone is, just take it easy and relax a little. Tripping and falling or smashing into another guest will do nothing to help keep people safe.

3) Read the rules and listen to the staff to help you keep safe. If you're arms should stay inside the car, keep them inside the car! If your child is too short for the ride, there is a reason, so don't try to talk someone into letting them on. Yes, we know you're a paying customer, but the height issue is there for a reason, and the engineers and theme park management need to enforce it for everyone's safety.

4) Silly as it seems, throw away your gum before getting on a rollercoaster. No need to cause a choking hazard just because you have burrito breath.

5) Always know where the first aid stations are within the park, and make sure your family and friends are aware as well.

6) Really concerned about safety inspections? Look at what the park has to say, call them and ask, and also look at the website for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission which provides information on which states require inspections as well as which states don't (currently only 38 states require inspections on a state/local level, while others will give a permit with proof of "private" inspection, and other don't require any to operate).

The majority of rides are safe and are thoroughly tested, but test factors can't account for the one in a million chance of a nut or bolt coming loose, or a number of other factors that can go on for months without any issues until one day... an accident happens. You are much more likely to get a sunburn and heat exhaustion at a day at the park than you are to experience a violent ride malfunction. And you are still then also likely to incur an injury due to user error (ignoring a safety precaution) or having someone else slam into you or push you in line than ride failure... Use your head, do your research, make sure your family has fun, and don't push too hard to get everything in, there's always another day at the park!

Learn more about this author, Lena Stark.
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