Faster And Scarier Coaster Rides

Some Critics Say Feds Should Regulate Amusement Rides

(CBS)  The infamous Cyclone Roller Coaster opened at New York's Coney Island 75 years ago.

It was the ultimate thrill ride at the time. But now, The Early Show’s Tracy Smith reports, roller coasters go higher and faster than ever — well beyond what some people think is safe.

The blood-curdling scream is the quintessential sound of summer. The scream is not from fear; it’s coming from people having the time of their lives.

The roller coaster race began in the 1920s when the Coney Island Cyclone was the most feared ride in the land. At 75 years old, this granddaddy of coasters may be lower and slower than the new ones, but it still feels just as dangerous.

The wood framed Cyclone could hit 60 mph at some points. But, danger was just an illusion as long as riders didn’t stand up or jump out.

Now, new construction techniques have allowed engineers to build rides that are higher, stronger and faster. The results are high-speed rides that look dangerous and feel like fighter jets.

New machines can pull and twist riders through a helical track or blast them straight up before a high-velocity plunge backwards. Critics say the violent movements can lead to head injuries. Ride operators say few activities are 100 percent safe.

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Spokesperson, Bill Powers, said, ”The outstanding safety record of the industry is the best evidence of the fact that that we're doing an outstanding job of safety.”

But accidents do happen. Cathy Fackler’s son lost half of his foot on a roller coaster-type ride in 1998. She says amusement parks should come under federal oversight.

“I would also like to see regulators at either the state or the federal level be empowered to go out and investigate serious accidents,” said Fackler.

The industry says the chance of actually getting hurt on any ride is about 1 in 23 million. You're more likely to lose your lunch than your life on a ride.

The jury is still out on the side effects, if any. The Brain Injury Association is looking into the effects of riding high speed coasters. The members say they still haven’t found definitive evidence that roller coaster riding is a hefty risk instead of a harmless rush.