Press Releases

Statement of IAAPA President Clark Robinson Re. Smith/Meaney Paper on G-Forces and Rides

Clark Robinson , President of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions ( IAAPA), today issued the following statement regarding a scientific paper appearing in the October 2002 edition of the Journal of Neurotrauma which indicates that the rotational accelerations experienced by the head during amusement rides pose no risk of brain injury to the general populace.

ALEXANDRIA, VA (USA) (Nov. 16, 2002) – We welcome the science-based work that Doctors Smith and Meaney have produced regarding amusement rides and brain injury, in place of the random anecdotal accounts which have thus far dominated the debate over this issue.

It is clear from their work that a focus simply and strictly on the matter of G-forces is wholly inadequate when discussing the physical experience of riding a roller coaster or any other amusement ride.

Instead, the interaction between ride and rider is a complex one, yet Smith and Meaney have found that the dynamic characteristics of that interaction are far below even the minimum levels associated with brain injury.

We hope that all parties interested in the issue will pay close attention to this timely, cogent, and important paper.

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IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org