Are roller coasters safe in cold weather?

Roller coasters, especially steel roller coasters, run more slowly when temperatures start getting into the 40s — because cold weather increases friction in the wheels. Cold weather also causes the track and other ride components to shrink slightly, which could lead to serious operating issues with the roller coaster.



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Many outdoor attractions cannot operate in colder conditions. Water rides close when temperatures plunge below 50° F but many other types of rides cannot run in the cold. Outdoor roller coasters have a minimum operating temperature in the 40s or 50s.

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They also say hypertension can play a role in causing brain trauma. For healthy people who meet the size requirements for the ride, you are probably safer on the average roller coaster than driving to the amusement park, said Smith.

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Near freezing temperatures: in addition to the lubricants freezing up, the polyurethane compounds used in some coaster car wheels can get brittle in colder temperatures. Running the ride when the coaster wheels are too cold can cause splits and cracks in the wheels.

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Other health conditions can make going on high-speed rides unsafe, including pregnancy, recent surgery, heart problems, high blood pressure and aneurysms, as well as the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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Many outdoor attractions cannot operate in colder conditions. Water rides close when temperatures plunge below 50° F but many other types of rides cannot run in the cold. Outdoor roller coasters have a minimum operating temperature in the 40s or 50s.

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Rich Kelly, a family medicine provider at Advocate Dreyer in Aurora, Ill. “As far as an age limit, though, if you are physically healthy and up for the thrill, there is likely no greater risk for someone who is 60 than there is for someone who is 20.”

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As a result, any accident at a park tends to generate a lot of publicity and attention. Nevertheless, despite the publicity surrounding such accidents, the injury rates for children's buggies, golf carts and folding lawn chairs are all higher than those of amusement park rides, said The Guardian.

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The safety system that makes sure trains do not collide with each other on the track is something called a block brake system., These are controlled by sensors around the track, which give the coaster computer, called the programmable logic controller (PLC), information on where the train is around the track at all ...

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There's the nervousness while you wait in line, the excitement as you buckle yourself in and the thrill as come speeding down that first drop. But as you age, you may be wondering if it's even still safe to ride a roller coaster. The short answer is, probably yes.

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Far more than steel, wooden coasters can get rougher over time, as rails and ledgers sag and bend under the weight of a 15,000-pound car bouncing around the track. A poorly maintained wooden coaster can become a rough, unpleasant ride.

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If there's a chance you might feel sick from the roller coasters and other rides, eat a bland breakfast (or other meal) before you go. You want something in your stomach to keep it settled, so choose bland foods like plain cereal, toast and crackers or scrambled eggs with nothing else in or on them.

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“That continuous cycle over and over again is where a lot of the uneasiness and queasy feels.” Dr. Longley said it's best to not have a completely empty stomach when getting on a coaster. But also avoid eating an enormous meal before getting in line.

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The best seat on a coaster, then, is a matter of personal taste. If you love the feeling of weightlessness, head for the back. If you want the best view of the action, head for the front. The cars in the middle provide the weakest ride, but it's a good bet you'll still have a good time.

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You can help calm your nerves through deep breathing. Focusing on your breathing can also help to distract you from the ride and may make the experience more enjoyable. Try screaming to calm your nerves.

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The best seat on a coaster, then, is a matter of personal taste. If you love the feeling of weightlessness, head for the back. If you want the best view of the action, head for the front. The cars in the middle provide the weakest ride, but it's a good bet you'll still have a good time.

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