NY Authorities Offer Fair Ride Safety Tips
Richard A. Ball, commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Markets, which operates the Great New York State Fair, said, "We have great partners and a rigorous inspection process that's been activated to ensure all rides are carefully reviewed prior to opening. With a larger midway and more rides than ever before, we're also asking fairgoers to adhere to all of the safety measures put in place."
Inspections by the New York State Department of Labor of all rides at the Great New York State Fair will be completed before the fair opens Aug. 23 near Syracuse, and the two agencies are reminding people going to the fair to follow all safety guidelines to enjoy the more than 80 rides.
"The New York State Department of Labor is committed to comprehensively and completely inspecting every single ride at the fair," said State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. "At every event across the state, the Great New York State Fair included, the agency takes every precaution to ensure that fairgoers can confidently enjoy the wonderful attractions available."
Richard A. Ball, commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Markets, which operates the fair, said, "We have great partners and a rigorous inspection process that's been activated to ensure all rides are carefully reviewed prior to opening. With a larger midway and more rides than ever before, we're also asking fairgoers to adhere to all of the safety measures put in place."
Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner said said "several new spectacular rides" are new at the fair this year, from the Broadway Skyliner to the White Water flume ride. "We have something for fairgoers of all ages. Safety is our priority and, along with the NYS Department of Labor, we have a great team working to ensure the rides are inspected and operating safely," Waffner said. "We also remind visitors to follow all safety guidelines to have a great, memorable time at the 2017 State Fair."
The Department of Labor partners with independent inspectors hired by the fair to inspect rides there, and a ride cannot legally operate without a permit from the Department of Labor.
Their tips for riders:
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
- Keep hands and feet inside the ride while it is moving.
- Don't reach toward fences or barriers.
- Secure loose clothing and long hair.
- Don't drink and ride. Doing so puts yourself and others at risk.
- Don't stand or attempt to leave a ride until it comes to a complete stop.
- Check restraining devices to make sure they are properly latched. If the equipment does not work, exit the ride and immediately report the issue at http://www.ridesafeny.com.
- Avoid horseplay; it's dangerous.
- Never attempt to unlock or loosen a restraining device until instructed by the operator.
The fair is operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and will run from Aug. 23 to Sept. 4, 2017.