Yet another rollercoaster incident

[Hope]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-36635086

I wonder why we are seeing an increase in such incidents?  Is it because the equipment is getting ever-more complex; does it have to do with owners cutting corners in terms of maintenance or is it an inevitable result of tighter margins and shortage of staff?

[Sebastian Toe]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-36635086

I wonder why we are seeing an increase in such incidents?  Is it because the equipment is getting ever-more complex; does it have to do with owners cutting corners in terms of maintenance or is it an inevitable result of tighter margins and shortage of staff?

...or is it because there are more roller-coasters? 

[Brownie]

They've always been dodgy, I've noted several accidents over the years.  Horrible things.  I'm terrified of heights, once was enough for me.  Same with the "big wheel".  Very tragic.

[floo]

It is very worrying indeed.

I have only been on a rollercoaster once in my life when I was 16, I was very sick when I got off it.

[Harrowby Hall]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-36635086

I wonder why we are seeing an increase in such incidents?  Is it because the equipment is getting ever-more complex; does it have to do with owners cutting corners in terms of maintenance or is it an inevitable result of tighter margins and shortage of staff?

In terms of the number of rollercoasters and the number of people that ride in them each year, how, I wonder, does the number of accidents involving rollercoasters compare with the number of people involved in motor car accidents? I suspect that rollercoasters may be rather safer than cars.

This does not mean that I am not concerned about fairground safety - I am. But we should always remember that the most newsworthy incidents are those that are unusual.

[L.A.]

They've always been dodgy, I've noted several accidents over the years.  Horrible things.  I'm terrified of heights, once was enough for me.  Same with the "big wheel".  Very tragic.

I  don't think I would agree, they should be very safe if they are properly maintained and the staff follow the correct procedures, which implies that some operators are cutting corners.