Senator Calls for Better Oversight for Roller Coasters

U.S. Sen. Edward Markey is calling for a set of national safety standards to cover rides at amusement parks following the death of a woman who fell from a roller coaster at a Six Flags amusement in Texas.

Markey said families on summer vacations are assuming what he called a huge risk because of the lack of federal regulations.

The industry has argued that accidents, particularly fatal accidents, are rare at amusements parks.

Markey, however, said there are enough serious accidents to warrant federal intervention.

The Massachusetts Democrat said those regulations should cover what he called the “totality of the safety system” for roller coasters and other rides.

He said families who visit amusement parks in other states should be confident that all rides meet the same federal standards.