The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "thrill rides" ...
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Carnival Safety Investigation
Inside Edition sent a producer with hidden cameras to work at several traveling carnivals around the country where he uncovered major drug use by some of the carnival ride operators. In addition to capturing "ride jockeys" abusing (and dealing) drugs just minutes before they began operating major thrill rides popular with children and young adults, our producer also observed several serious safety issues inherent in the traveling carnival industry. Among these safety issues were questionable hiring practices, inadequate training policies and dangerous mechanical issues on multiple rides.
Tags: carnival safety; public safety; ride jockeys; drug use; sex offenders; ex-con; traveling carnivals;
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Pulling G's
This investigation looks at the G forces riders experience on thrill rides at central Florida theme parks. The parks have resisted releasing such information, so Florida Today measured them, developing data using a 3-axis accelerometer. Despite much concern, the rides were within established safety limits.
Tags: amusement parks; roller coasters; thrill rides; Disney World; g forces; physics; theme parks; safety; tourism
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Thrilled to Death
This story took a look at amusement parks in Texas and found evidence of numerous serious injuries, faulty ride maintenance, and negligent behavior on the part of employees. It found several amusement park operators had failed to report numerous injuries to state regulators, in violation of Texas law. It also found evidence that state and federal regulations and enforcement are inadeqate to ensure ride safety.
Tags: amusement parks; ride safety; Texas Department of Insurance; Six Flags; government safety regulations for amusement parks
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Thrills Spills
A three-day, computer assisted series which examined ride injuries at New Jersey amusement parks and traveling carnivals. The investigation found that there were 1,000 injuries over four years, including broken necks, broken limbs, concussions, and serious cuts. Some ride owners, especially carnivals, flout state law and don't bother reporting. The state has slashed the number of inspectors nearly in half. Inspectors fail to determine how accidents happended, and sometimes fail to contact victims to get their side. Parks are rarely fined; when the are fined, the amount is minimal, even when riders are killed or severely injured.
Tags: None