Governor Ryan Proclaims May "Amusement Ride Safety Awareness Month"

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan has declared May 2001 as "Amusement Ride Safety Awareness Month" in Illinois in recognition of his commitment to the safety of all Illinois citizens and visitors which encompasses the amusement riding public.

Each year there is an increase in the number of people who ride amusement rides. In fact, more than 26 million people enjoyed amusement rides in Illinois last year. "Since any incident involving an amusement ride could lead to serious injury, an educated rider is a safer rider," said Ryan.

The Illinois Department of Labor enforces amusement ride safety requirements throughout the State and inspects all rides at stationary parks and rides at traveling carnivals or fairs at least once a year. A ride cannot be operated without a permit issued by the Illinois Department of Labor.

"Illinois is home to a wide variety of amusement parks and traveling carnivals," said Director Robert M. Healey. "We are proud of what we have to offer in our State, and we thank Illinois families and visitors for the safety record we have achieved throughout the years."

The Department annually inspects about 1800 rides operated at permanent sites and carnivals. Approximately 5000 individual inspections are conducted annually.