Roller Coaster Safety: 4 Essential Things You Need to Know After 50
Roller coaster safety is in the spotlight after Six Flags paused nine hypercoasters at six parks following a fatal accident on Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia. If you ride with grandchildren or plan fall park visits, discover four essential steps to stay safe.
Why Roller Coaster Safety Matters to You
Autumn is peak season for theme park outings, haunted attractions, and multigenerational trips. Many grandparents join the line for the big rides, or wait while the kids ride.
Age alone does not rule out the fun. Many people in their 60s and 70s enjoy rides safely, but bodies change, and conditions like high blood pressure or joint issues can affect how you handle sudden forces.
Knowing how to evaluate a ride, and your own health, makes those days safer and more enjoyable. The news is a reminder that thrill rides carry real forces on the body.
Key Facts & Context
On Monday, Oct. 12, a 42-year-old man fell from Goliath, a hypercoaster that reaches about 70 mph and 200 feet in height. Police in Cobb County, Georgia, are investigating, and the cause has not been announced.
- Six Flags paused nine similar rides, including Nitro in New Jersey and Fury 325 at Carowinds, citing an abundance of caution.
- Manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, which built most of the paused coasters, said it is actively investigating.
- Two weeks earlier, Six Flags permanently closed X2 at Magic Mountain, which faces lawsuits over alleged injuries.
Investigators typically review video, maintenance logs, and witness statements. Until findings are released, avoid assumptions about what went wrong.
What This Means for You: Four Safer Ride Habits
These simple habits apply at any park, on any ride.
Action 1: How Do You Check Ride Status Before You Go?
Call the park or check its website before you leave, since closures can change daily. Ask which rides are operating. Plan backup activities so a closed coaster does not spoil the trip.
Action 2: Is This Ride Right for Your Body?
Read the posted health warnings. If you have heart, blood pressure, neck, or back concerns, talk with your doctor before riding. Choose gentler rides when in doubt.
Action 3: Are You Confident in Your Restraint?
Never ride if your restraint feels loose or does not lock fully. Ask the attendant to check it again, and step off if you are uneasy. Staff would rather re-check than risk an incident.
For slower, closer-to-home outings, TripsNearby helps you discover nearby trips and leisure spots. Our fall road trip guide offers another idea.
Action 4: What Should You Tell Grandchildren Before They Ride?
Explain the rules simply: keep hands and feet inside, stay seated, and follow staff directions. Check height requirements together, and never let a child ride a coaster that is too big for them.
Looking Forward
Expect updates on the investigation and on when paused rides reopen. Parks typically announce reopenings once inspections are complete. In the meantime, bring comfortable shoes, patience, and your own good judgment. Find more outing ideas in our Travel & Thrive hub, or plan a gathering with our milestone birthday party tips.