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How safe are carnival rides for your kids?

Posted at 11:44 PM, May 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-20 12:24:31-04

They come into town and before you know it they're gone.

This time of year carnivals outfitted with games, rides, and food are setting up around Western New York and this weekend you can find one in Williamsville.

"I saw it in my news feed and it was a bonus sunny day something fun to do with the kids." Marisa Ennis told 7 Eyewitness News.

Ennis brought her two kids out for an evening of fun. She says she wants them to have a good time but safety is still top priority.

"I know periodically I hear stories about people getting injured but I've never seen anything that I've thought to be unsafe."

But recently rides across the nation have turned downright dangerous. In Texas two girls were tossed from a spinning chair ride - one of them was killed.

Earlier this month in Nebraska, an 11-year-old girl was literally scalped after her hair got caught in a spinning ride.

But Dana Peck, owner of Midway Ride Utica, the company hosting this Wililamville carnival, says those type accidents are few and far between.

"New York State has a very good safety record and a very good safety program."

Peck says he's confident in his rides because of what he calls a thorough inspection process.

In addition to his crew inspecting each swing, slide, and coaster, the State Labor Department issues weekly inspections as well.

The state's website also spells out in black and white that "we do not allow any ride to operate unless it passes inspection."

"We've never had a ride malfunction and it's due to our hard work and their hard work to make sure the public is safe."

Peck says safety is also the responsibility of the visitor. Knowing what your child can handle is key.

"Ere on the side of safety... make sure that you're not putting them on something where they aren't going to stay seated."