State should look at inspection laws

Published 10:47 am Wednesday, August 6, 2014

A major malfunction on a ride at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky will not be investigated by state inspectors.

That should prompt state legislators to amend the law on inspections of rides such as those at carnivals and amusement parks.

Two people were hurt July 26 when a cable on a Cedar Point ride snapped and struck them. One was treated for injuries at the scene. The other had to be taken to a hospital.

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But because neither person was admitted to the hospital, the law does not require state inspectors to check the ride. Cedar Point is investigating, and the state Department of Agriculture will have to approve reopening of the ride, however.

One reason for investigating minor accidents is to ensure more serious ones do not occur.

Of course, state inspectors should not be called in whenever someone stubs his toe getting off a carnival ride. But surely some compromise, perhaps requiring inspections when people require treatment of injuries, can be agreed upon.

State legislators should consider such a change.

 

The (Tiffin) Advertiser-Tribune