The carnival ride injury attorneys at Denena Points, PC wonder why it always seems to require a serious accident and sometimes multiple deaths and injuries before lawmakers take action on safety? Last week in South Dakota, one of the few U.S. states that still had no amusement ride safety regulations at all, the governor signed the “Carnival Safety” bill into law. The law becomes effective this summer.
KSFY News reports that the move to oversee carnival ride safety resulted after an accident, when their investigation revealed that the state didn’t have any laws regulating the safety of carnival rideslike that where the accident occurred. (Mark Roper, 3/12/14) They approached a state Representative to sponsor the bill. And a state Senator who runs a family entertainment center also stepped up to co-sponsor the bill. (Though we note, perhaps cynically, that he did not jump in to sponsor such a bill prior to action by others.)
The new law will require ride inspections and liability insurance for ride owners. The news report indicated that the SD law might be similar to the laws in other states, allowing traveling carnivals some predictability regarding safety requirements and procedures. And allowing riders some assurance regarding their safety.
Also last week, South Dakota joined the ranks of U.S. states with a statewide ban on texting while driving. South Dakota seems to be taking serious steps to ensure local safety. We hope other states that have lagged behind in these areas will take heed and follow their lead. Our carnival ride injury attorneys especially note our home state of Texas, which has been reluctant to take strong steps on banning handheld device use while driving.