Top Causes of Accidents in Orange County California

Orange County, California, is a fun and economically well-rounded region known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and popular attractions like Disneyland. However, like any densely populated area, it also experiences many yearly accidents and injuries.

These accidents range from car collisions to dog bites, amusement park mishaps, premises liability injuries, and incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. Assault and battery are also common injuries in Orange County.

Here’s everything you need to know about accidents and injuries in Orange County, California, including statistics.

Orange County Population Statistics

• Population: As of 2023, the estimated population of Orange County is 3,240,017. This represents a growth rate of 0.55% in the past year. The county is the third most populous in California.
• Citizenship Status: In 2020, 87.2% of the residents in Orange County were U.S. citizens.
• Race and Ethnicity:  The racial and ethnic composition of Orange County is diverse. The largest ethnic groups are White (Non-Hispanic) at 39.8%, Asian (Non-Hispanic) at 20.9%, White (Hispanic) at 17.8%, Other (Hispanic) at 11.7%, and Two+ (Hispanic) at 3.57%. Irvine has the highest population of residents who are Asian Indian (over 15,000 people), and Anaheim, Tustin, and Buena Park each have the highest populations (over 3,000 people).
• Median Income: The median household income in Orange County was $100,485 in 2021.
• Age Distribution: The age distribution in Orange County is as follows:
  – Persons under 5 years: 5.2%
  – Persons under 18 years: 20.8%
  – Persons 65 years and over: 16.4%
• Violent crime: 225.5 crimes per 100,000 people
• Property crime: 2,357.2 crimes per 100,000 people

-Data Source

#1. Car Accidents Leading Cause of Injury in Orange County, CA.

• In Orange County, auto accidents are the leading cause of injury. Rear-end collisions comprised 33.14% of all crashes, and broadside collisions comprised 29.78%.
• Accidents involving pedestrians, overturns, sideswipes, head-on collisions, and object hits made up 36.71%.
• The total number of fatal and injury crashes in Orange County places the county 49th out of 58 cities and counties in the state.
• California experienced 216,366 traffic collisions in 2022, resulting in 3,854 fatalities and 165,978 injuries.
• Drivers comprised 95,609 of these injuries, followed by passengers at 29,543, pedestrians at 23,116, and motorcyclists at 14,665. -Data Source
• According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the type of vehicle that causes the most accidents in Orange County, California, is cars. Cars accounted for over 70% of all traffic accidents in Orange County in 2021.
• The next most common type of vehicle involved in accidents in Orange County is trucks. Trucks accounted for over 10% of all traffic accidents in Orange County in 2021.
• Also, according to the CHP, there were 923 motorcycle accidents in Orange County, California, in 2021. These accidents resulted in 52 fatalities and 696 serious injuries.
• Motorcycle accidents are more common in Orange County than in other parts of the state. In 2021, Orange County had the highest number of motorcycle accidents of any county in California.

Motorcycle accidents are more dangerous than other traffic accidents because motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injuries in a crash. Motorcyclists are more likely to be ejected from their vehicle in a crash.

Top Causes of Car Accidents

1. Rush-Hour Traffic

Rush-hour traffic is the leading cause of car accidents in Orange County. Most of these accidents occur during peak times when people commute to and from work or school. Friday nights are the most dangerous, with the highest number of accidents occurring during this time.

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of traffic accidents during rush hour. These include:

• Obvious increased traffic volume: More cars on the road means more opportunities for collisions. In particular, the 91, 405, and 57 freeways have massive traffic daily, taking people in and out of Orange County for work.
• Reduced following distances: Drivers are often more likely to tailgate in rush hour traffic, which can lead to rear-end collisions.
• Aggressive driving: Drivers may be more likely to engage in aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and cutting off other drivers, to get to their destination faster and out of frustration with traffic.
• Distracted driving: Drivers may be more likely to be distracted during rush hour, for example, by checking their phones, eating, or talking to passengers.
• Impaired driving: Drivers may be more likely to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs during rush hour, especially on weekends.
• Weather conditions: Rush hour traffic can be hazardous in bad weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow.

Statistics on rush hour car accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 47% of all car accidents in the United States occur during the weekday morning and afternoon rush hours. 

Additionally, the NHTSA found that rush hour accidents are more likely to be fatal or result in serious injuries than accidents at other times of the day.

• Time of day: The peak time for rush hour accidents in Orange County is between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
• Day of week: Rush hour accidents are more common on weekdays than weekends.
• Location: Rush hour accidents are more common in urban areas than rural areas.
• Type of vehicle: SUVs and trucks are involved in more rush hour accidents than passenger cars.
• Driver demographics: Young and male drivers are likelier to be involved in rush hour accidents. -Data Source
• The busiest cities in Orange County—Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Santa Ana, and Costa Mesa—are home to some of the most dangerous intersections with the highest accident rates. These places see higher traffic volumes than less populated cities, so it makes sense that they also experience higher accident rates.

2. Speeding

Speeding poses a serious danger to drivers and others on the road and is a leading cause of car accidents in Orange County. Speeding also increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions, as vehicles following too closely behind one another are more likely to be involved in an accident.

Dangerous af speeding

Speeding is particularly dangerous in Orange County, California, which has some of the busiest roads in the state.

• Increased risk of collision: Speeding gives you less time to react to hazards and less control over your vehicle, making it more likely that you will be involved in a collision.
• Increased risk of severe injury or death: Speeding is a leading cause of traffic fatalities and increases the risk of serious injuries, such as head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.
• Increased risk of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities: Speeders are likelier to hit and kill pedestrians and cyclists or cause catastrophic injuries.
• Increased traffic congestion: Speeding can lead to traffic congestion, making it more difficult for drivers to merge and change lanes safely.

Statistics on speeding accidents and injuries in Orange County, California

• According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, speeding was involved in over 31% of all traffic-related deaths in the county in 2021. Speeding was also involved in over 30% of all traffic collisions that resulted in injuries.
• Speeding is more common among young drivers. In 2021, drivers aged 16-24 were involved in over 35% of all speeding-related traffic fatalities in Orange County.
• Speeding is more common on weekends. In 2021, over 40% of all speeding-related traffic fatalities in Orange County occurred on weekends.
• Speeding is more common during the late night hours. In 2021, over 30% of all speeding-related traffic fatalities in Orange County occurred after midnight. -Data Source

3. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents yearly in the United States, and California is no exception. Distracted driving encompasses a broad range of behaviors that divert a driver’s focus from the safe operation of their vehicle. 

Even though California has prohibited using handheld mobile and electronic devices while driving, cell phone use remains a leading cause of accidents throughout the state.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, distracted driving was involved in over 20% of all traffic collisions in Orange County, California, in 2021. This is a significant increase from previous years and a reminder of the dangers of distracted driving.

Distracted driving statistics in Orange County, California:

• Distracted driving is more common among young drivers. In 2021, drivers aged 16-24 were involved in over 30% of all distracted driving-related traffic collisions in Orange County.
• Distracted driving is more common on weekends. In 2021, over 35% of all distracted driving-related traffic collisions in Orange County occurred on weekends.
• Distracted driving is more common during the late night hours. In 2021, over 30% of all distracted driving-related traffic collisions in Orange County occurred between midnight and 3 a.m.
• The most common form of distracted driving is using a cell phone. This includes talking on the phone, texting, and using social media. Other forms of distracted driving include eating, drinking, talking to passengers, and adjusting the radio.  -Data Source

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, using a cell phone or texting while driving is the leading cause of driver inattention, which causes 80% of vehicle crashes.  

Local students observed four crossings in Orange County for research by the youth group Friday Night Live and discovered an average of 194 incidents of distracted driving per site over the course of an hour.

According to the most recent data, 3,522 individuals were killed nationwide in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2021, making up 8.2% of all traffic fatalities. In 2023, distracted driving caused a 22% rise in fatalities in California.

It’s crucial to remember that experts contend that distracted driving is both underreported and understudied. Paid media education efforts that educate the public on the risks of distracted driving and encourage drivers to travel without distractions are some of the remedies used to address the distracted driving problem.

Research shows that driver distraction is the main factor in severe injury crashes involving minors; thus, outreach activities and education programs are aimed at teen drivers to help them modify their habits and put their phones away while driving. 

Distracted driving is still a problem in Orange County and all of California despite these measures.

4. Drunk driving

Intoxicated driving severely impairs judgment and reaction times. Drunk driving is illegal for good reason – it’s perilous. While the ease of getting a shared ride is available to all of us in California, people continue to drink and drive with devastating results.

Statistics on drunk driving accidents and injuries in Orange County, California:

• Drunk driving is more common among young drivers. In 2021, drivers aged 16-24 were involved in over 35% of all drunk driving-related traffic fatalities in Orange County.
• Drunk driving is more common on weekends. In 2021, over 40% of all drunk driving-related traffic fatalities in Orange County occurred on weekends.
• Drunk driving is more common during the late night hours. In 2021, over 30% of all drunk driving-related traffic fatalities in Orange County occurred after midnight. -Data Source

5. Reckless driving

Making unsafe lane changes, tailgating, running red lights, and other reckless behaviors often lead to accidents. Driving with patience and good judgment can improve safety.  

In Orange County, California, reckless driving is defined as driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

Reckless driving can include a variety of behaviors, such as:

* Speeding
* Tailgating
* Cutting off other drivers
* Running red lights and stop signs
* Weaving in and out of traffic

Reckless driving is a major problem in Orange County. In 2021, reckless driving was involved in over 150 traffic fatalities in the county. Reckless driving was also involved in over 300 traffic collisions that resulted in serious injuries.

Statistics on reckless driving accidents and injuries in Orange County, California:

• Reckless driving is more common among young drivers. In 2021, drivers aged 16-24 were involved in over 35% of all reckless driving-related traffic fatalities in Orange County.
• Reckless driving is more common on weekends. In 2021, over 40% of all reckless driving-related traffic fatalities in Orange County occurred on weekends.
• Reckless driving is more common during the late night hours. In 2021, over 30% of all reckless driving-related traffic fatalities in Orange County occurred between midnight and 4 am.

6. Weather conditions:

Rain, snow, fog, and other weather can impair visibility and make roads slick. Slowing down and increasing the following distance is key in bad weather.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), weather conditions contributed to approximately 10% of all traffic collisions in Orange County in 2021. The most common weather conditions contributing to Orange County accidents are rain, fog, and strong winds.

• Rain can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, leading to accidents. Drivers should slow down and use extra caution when driving in rainy conditions. California has periods of heavy rain after prolonged dry periods, causing the roads to be extremely slick.
• Fog can also reduce visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles and hazards on the road. Drivers should use their headlights and fog lights when driving in foggy conditions. Newport Beach and the coast, in general, have fog socked in, making traveling the area and the Pacific Coast Highway dangerous.
• Strong winds can blow vehicles off the road and cause other hazards, such as downed trees and power lines. Drivers should slow down and use extra caution when driving in windy conditions. The dreaded Santa Ana winds every year cause a lot of damage and debris on our roads, causing motor vehicle hazards.
• Snow causes a dangerous condition to Californians who are not accustomed to driving in it. Man accidents around the mountains and Big Bear are caused by inexperienced drivers and not using snow chains.

Teenage Related Car Accidents

Teenage car accidents are a significant concern in Orange County. Late-night accidents are particularly prevalent among teenagers, often due to inadequate sleep, poor visibility, and inexperience in driving at night. Speeding and risk-taking are also common among teenage drivers, contributing to the high rate of car accidents in this age group.

Studies on teenage driving accidents in Orange County, California, highlight essential patterns and factors. Teenage drivers’ carelessness is often the cause of accidents involving them.

Distracted driving, such as texting, chatting on the phone, listening to loud music, eating, drinking non-alcoholic beverages, and picking up fallen objects from the ground, are frequent causes of teen automobile accidents.

Other important risks are driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, and reckless driving.

Some medical problems, such as ADHD, can increase the risk. Automobile accidents rank first for teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 who sustain an unintended injury. Inexperienced drivers primarily cause a high rate of collisions within this age group.

Compared to driving alone or with adults, adolescent drivers are more likely to crash when traveling with teenage passengers. The California Traffic Safety Quick Stats report shows that teen drivers involved in fatal crashes (age 15-20) increased by 14.8% from 413 in 2020 to 474 in 2021 in fatalities and injuries. 

Men 20–24 and 25–29 were the most typical age ranges for vehicle accident victims in Orange County in 2021, respectively.

Women in the same age ranges are experiencing the same trend. Young drivers between 16 and 20 account for the most minor proportion of licensed drivers (5.3%), but they have the greatest “involvement rate” of drivers in fatal accidents. Drivers in this age bracket are engaged in such accidents at a rate of 34 per 100,000.

Over the past ten years, there has been an 8% increase in fatal collisions involving teenage drivers in California.  -DataSource

#2. Dangerous Intersections in Orange County

Certain intersections in Orange County are hazardous and have a high incidence of car accidents. For example, the intersection of Alicia Parkway and Jeronimo Road in Mission Viejo has been identified as the most dangerous intersection in the county, with 66 crashes and 78 minor to moderate injuries reported over a nine-year period.

• Mission Viejo’s Alicia Parkway and Jeronimo Road intersection is considered the riskiest in Orange County. From 2010 to 2019, there were 66 crashes, resulting in 57 minor injuries, 21 significant injuries, and six severe injuries.
• Santa Ana’s 17th Street and Fairview Street intersection is one of the riskiest since there were five significant incidents here between 2008 and 2012, one of which resulted in a fatality.
• Chapman Avenue and Gilbert Street intersection is one of Orange County’s top five most hazardous ones.
• Bristol Street and McFadden Avenue intersection are ranked among the top five riskiest ones in Orange County.
• State College Boulevard and Orangethorpe Avenue have experienced considerable crashes in 2021.
• Between 2019 and 2021, many crashes occurred on Santa Clara Avenue and Tustin Avenue.
• According to the Orange County Crash Risk Index data, Huntington Beach’s Ellis Avenue and Newland Street intersection have the city’s highest accident rate.
• Santiago Canyon Road and Jamboree Road, where rural and urban areas converge, are regarded as the most hazardous in the county. Between 2008 and 2012, there were eight serious accidents and five fatalities.
• Newport Boulevard and West 19th Street, with 1,042 daily hours wasted in traffic, this intersection is among the top 10 worst in the state.

So many intersections in Orange County, California, are dangerous for many reasons. These include:

• Heavy traffic congestion: Orange County is one of the most densely populated counties in the United States, and its roads are heavily congested. This can lead to an increased risk of accidents at intersections, as drivers are more likely to be distracted and impatient.
• Complex intersections: Many intersections in Orange County are complex, with multiple lanes of traffic and multiple turn signals as well as 4-way stops all over the county. This can make it difficult for drivers to navigate the intersection safely.
• Poor visibility: Some intersections in Orange County have poor visibility due to factors such as trees, buildings, and other obstacles. This can make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles and pedestrians.
• Aggressive driving: Aggressive driving is a problem in Orange County and many other parts of the country. Aggressive drivers speed, tailgate, and run red lights can lead to accidents at intersections.
• Pedestrian and cyclist traffic: Orange County has a large population of pedestrians and cyclists, and many intersections are located in areas with high pedestrian and cyclist traffic. This can increase the risk of accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.

#3. Dog Bites

Dog bites are another common cause of injuries in Orange County. In one incident in 2023, two individuals, including a minor, were severely injured after a dog bite in Fountain Valley. Dog attacks often exhibit intense and aggressive behavior, especially when multiple dogs are involved. In the unfortunate event of surviving such an attack, the victim will likely suffer puncture wounds, scratches, severe injury, and emotional trauma.

Statistics on Dog Bites in Orange County

Dog bite statistics in Orange County reveal many incidents each year. The Centers for Disease Control report that 3 to 5 dog bites are reported to Animal Control daily in Orange County, resulting in more than 1,000 injury victims being treated annually. 

Children under 18 years of age are at the highest risk of dog bites, with almost 40% of emergency room visits related to dog bites involving children.

The most common injuries from dog bites are to the face and neck (36%), followed by the lower limbs/digits (31%) and the upper limbs/digits (19%). This corresponds to more than 1,500 dog bites that are documented each year. It’s crucial to remember that most dog bites go undetected.

According to trends in dog bite incidents, children under 18 have the highest chance of suffering a dog bite injury.

• Children 0 to 5 years old are 1.75 times more likely to need hospitalization following a dog attack than children aged 5 to 10, who are twice as likely to need hospitalization.
• When a dog bites or attacks a child, fifty percent of those kids will experience emotional trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As people get older, the danger of dog bites diminishes.

Dog bite injuries to the body are broken down into the following groups:

• Face and neck (36%)
• Lower limbs/digits (31%)
• Upper limbs/digits (19%)
• Chest (14%)
• Head, face, and/or neck injuries account for about 80% of hospitalizations due to dog bites in children.

Over 27,000 individuals bitten by dogs annually require reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. Medical costs for emergency visits resulting from dog bites are anticipated to be $102.4 million, having a significant financial impact.

Californians whose dog has been bitten should speak with a personal injury attorney to determine if they can pursue dog bite compensation for their injuries and learn how compensation amounts are calculated. 

The severity of the damage, the homeowner’s insurance coverage, and future medical expenses or cosmetic surgery can all significantly impact the compensation amount.

The most common breeds involved in dog bites in Orange County, California, are as follows:

• Pit Bulls
• Mixed Breeds
• German Shepherds
• Terriers
• Rottweilers
• Dobermans

Dog Bite Laws in California

Since California is a no-fault state, anyone who has had a dog attack them may seek compensation, regardless of whether the attack occurred on public or private property. There are a few exclusions, such as a trespasser seeking to cause you harm.

• Orange County Dog Bite Laws
• California Dog Bite Laws
• Riverside County Dog Bite Laws
• Imperial County Dog Bite Laws
• San Bernardino County Dog Bite Laws
• Dog Bite Liability in California (Infographic)
• Riverside County Dog Bite Laws
• Kern County Dog Bite Laws
• Los Angeles County Dog Bite Laws
• San Diego County Dog Bite Laws
• Ventura County Dog Bite Laws

-Data Source

#4. Premises Liability Injuries

Premises liability injuries occur when a person is injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Property owners in California have a duty to maintain their property and ensure that conditions do not endanger visitors or customers.

Problems that could lead to a premises liability injury and lawsuit include inadequate security, wet or slippery floors, uneven or broken sidewalks, stairways in lousy repair, poor lighting, and debris in walkways.

Premises Liability Cases and Common Injuries

Premises liability cases in Orange County often involve injuries sustained in commercial establishments, private homes, local attractions, or during delivery or repair services.  

Common injuries in these cases can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries like fractures, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. In some cases, the injured party may be eligible to seek compensation, even if they were partially at fault for the incident.

Premises liability dangers in Orange County, California, include:

• Slip and Fall: The most frequent type of premises liability accident is a slip and fall, which can happen due to wet or slippery floors, uneven or damaged sidewalks, poorly maintained stairs, debris in walkways, excessively worn carpet or tile, and damaged or inadequate handrails.
• Swimming pool accidents: These can include drownings, near-drownings, diving accidents, and slips and falls on wet surfaces.
• Dog bites: Orange County has a high rate of dog bite incidents, which can result in serious injuries, including scarring, infection, and even death.
• Negligent security: This can include inadequate lighting, security cameras, and security guards, which can lead to assaults, robberies, and other crimes.
• Other hazards: Other premises liability dangers in Orange County include falling objects, poor maintenance, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and injuries at daycares and childcare facilities.

Public park and playground injuries

Injuries at public parks in Orange County, California, can happen for a number of causes, such as playground accidents, pedestrian accidents, occurrences related to natural disasters, or problems with public safety.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over 200,000 children under fourteen are treated in emergency rooms in the US each year for injuries sustained on playgrounds.

On public playgrounds, like those at schools and childcare facilities, around 75% of nonfatal injuries take place. Fractures, internal injuries, concussions, dislocations, and amputations are just a few of the potentially serious ailments.

The most common injuries caused at public parks and playgrounds are:

• Broken bones
• Sprains and strains
• Cuts and bruises
• Concussions
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Internal injuries

There are numerous potential causes of these injuries, including:

• Falls from playground equipment: Falls are the most common cause of playground injuries, and various factors, such as slippery surfaces, inadequate supervision, and improper use of equipment, can cause them.
• Collisions with other children: Children can collide with each other on playground equipment while running and playing or while riding bikes or scooters.
• Entrapment: Children can become entrapped in playground equipment, such as swings, slides, and climbing structures.
• Strangulation: Children can be strangled by clothing or other objects that become caught on playground equipment.
• Burns: Hot surfaces on playground equipment, such as metal slides, can cause burns in children on hot days.
• Exposure to the elements: Sunburns, heatstroke, and hypothermia are just a few examples of how exposure to the elements can harm children.

Beach injuries

According to the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA), there were 1,220 beach-related injuries in Orange County, California in 2021.

These injuries included:

• Cuts and bruises
• Sprains and strains
• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Internal injuries

The most common causes of beach-related injuries are:

• Falling from rocks or piers
• Diving into shallow water
• experiencing a wave’s impact
• Surfing injuries
• Bike riding accidents
• Heat exhaustion & sunstroke
• Getting stung by a marine animal
• Stepping on a sharp object
• Slipping on wet rocks or sand
• Drowning

Premises liability statistics

1. According to the California Department of Public Health, falls in California caused over 1.5 million injuries in 2020. Of these, over 100,000 resulted in hospitalization.
2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports over 4.5 million dog bites in the United States annually. Of these, over 800,000 require medical attention.
3. The CDC reports that over 10,000 people drown in the United States yearly. Of these, about one-third are children under the age of 15.

#5. Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are also common in Orange County, often due to car accidents. These accidents can be hazardous due to the vulnerability of pedestrians and cyclists compared to motor vehicle occupants.

Factors contributing to these accidents include distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield right of way.

Statistics on bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Orange County, California, highlight several significant patterns and effects. Statistics on bicycle accidents show that aside from Los Angeles County, Orange County has the most collisions involving bicycle and cyclist fatalities in California.

Bicycle accident statistics:

• 3,953 bicycle accidents occurred in Orange County between 2017 and 2021, according to UC Berkeley’s California Active Transportation Safety Information Pages (CATSIP).
• Orange County reported 73 bicycle fatalities over the same time period, coming in second to Los Angeles County’s 177 bicycle fatalities.
• Head injuries, fractures, and internal ailments are common bicycle-related injuries in traffic accidents.

Pedestrian accident statistics:

• In Orange County, there were 375 pedestrian fatalities in the five years leading up to December 31, 2021.
• According to law enforcement experts, more than half of fatal crashes are the fault of the pedestrian rather than the car, frequently due to jaywalking or disregarding a traffic signal.
• Every year, auto accidents result in the injuries of more than 70,000 pedestrians.

#6. Amusement Park Accidents

Orange County has several amusement parks, including Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. While these parks provide fun and entertainment for millions of visitors yearly, they have also been the site of numerous theme park accidents.

For instance, in 2003, brakes failed on Knott’s Berry Farm’s Butterfield Stagecoach, killing one horse and slightly injuring several passengers. 

When a person’s backpack fell out of one of the coasters and landed on the track, causing the coaster to stop, firefighters had to rescue 23 people from California Screamin’ in another incident that occurred in 2011.

In July 2008, a 12-year-old riding the Canyon Blaster at AdventureDome was unresponsive and later found dead. An autopsy revealed she died of a heart attack on the ride.  

In May 2023, the Silver Bullet rollercoaster at Knott’s Berry Farm had to be evacuated mid-air because a person “freaked out” and wanted off the ride.

Personal injuries at amusement parks

Many circumstances can lead people to believe that amusement parks are dangerous. These include the inherent dangers of fast and intense rides, the likelihood of equipment failure, and human error, such as failing to adhere to safety precautions or ride operators improperly fastening passengers.

Head, neck, and back injuries are frequent accidents at amusement parks due to spinning rides or attractions that whip the person around. Whiplash, shoulder and arm injuries, leg and knee injuries, and even seizures are examples of additional injuries. Passengers occasionally report feeling lightheaded, woozy, and nauseous.

To reduce the danger of accidents, parks must maintain their equipment properly and visitors must heed all safety precautions.

Other injuries in amusement parks are non-ride related, such as slips and falls, injuries from doors and bathrooms, and mechanical failure of equipment, gates, stages, etc. 

Cell phones sometimes fly off a ride and hit parkgoers below, causing significant head injuries. Sprains and broken ankles are common injuries at theme parks.

Improving safety at theme parks

Ride Safety: The amusement park and its patrons share responsibility for ensuring the welfare of its guests. Follow all safety instructions and use all safety devices provided on vehicles, such as seatbelts, shoulder harnesses, lap bars, and handrails.

Regular inspections and maintenance are essential for ensuring the safety of attractions. Independent safety examiners ought to inspect the rides at amusement parks every year. All aspects of the attraction should be inspected, including its mechanical, electrical, design, and operational safety.

Amusement facilities should conduct daily, weekly, and monthly inspections in addition to annual inspections. Amusement parks should also follow detailed manufacturer guidelines for inspection and safety, and many parks use outside specialty companies to periodically re-inspect attractions.

For instance, MISTRAS Group provides advanced inspection and monitoring services to ensure the continued safety and security of amusement park attractions, buildings, and structures.

Visitor Security: The amusement park and its patrons share responsibility for ensuring the welfare of its guests. Follow all safety instructions and use all safety devices provided on vehicles, such as seatbelts, shoulder harnesses, lap bars, and handrails.

Amusement parks should also enforce age, height, weight, and health restrictions for each attraction to ensure that only suitable individuals are permitted to ride.

In addition, amusement parks should provide clear and visible safety rules and instructions for each attraction and ensure that operators provide verbal safety instructions before the start of each ride.

Staff Instruction: Staff training is another essential aspect of amusement park safety. The personnel should be trained to safely operate the attractions, respond to emergencies, and enforce safety regulations.

Even though amusement parks may be perceived as dangerous due to the inherent dangers associated with high-speed and high-intensity rides, implementing these safety measures can substantially reduce the risk of injuries.

It is essential that visitors adhere to all safety instructions and that parks maintain their equipment appropriately to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. -Data Source (1)(2)(3)