Attraction New Texas Giant (RMC Ironhorse)
- Thread starter Franco
- Start date
All I've seen on social media and other news is that it's possible her restraint wasn't all the way down and/or her body shape allowed her to slip out (restraint on stomach rather than legs/hips).
All the business of it not clicking is crap. The restraints for that ride are kinda like the pull down bar you see on DK. Odds are she was just too big to ride but the employee failed to notice.
The ride must have cleared the restraint though so there is something deeper going on here.
THIS!!! They should have this in every column about this story. This story is already causing hysteria!
Sadly when something like this happens the numbers get casually ignored in order to hook readers and viewers. Numbers are more important than the actual facts these days and it's disappointing.
b.mac said:
I would not say that they get lost because it is not the reporter's job to name statistics. It is a big deal because it is not an accepted risk the way they driving or the like is accepted. Just as with plane incidents, even with the few accidents it is still far far far safer than driving but the risks are not accepted the same as driving.
^
So make sure your gut is on top of the bar?
EDIT: Not to make light of the situation, but maybe some of y'all can explain why there are so many rides with the lap t-bar nowadays? Is it cheaper or something? Maybe less cumbersome and the ride looks better? Seems like the OTS restraint like Nessie has might do a much better job and accommodate taller and/or bigger guests safely (like myself). That video almost makes me fearful for many of my buddies who I see riding coasters like AC.
So make sure your gut is on top of the bar?
EDIT: Not to make light of the situation, but maybe some of y'all can explain why there are so many rides with the lap t-bar nowadays? Is it cheaper or something? Maybe less cumbersome and the ride looks better? Seems like the OTS restraint like Nessie has might do a much better job and accommodate taller and/or bigger guests safely (like myself). That video almost makes me fearful for many of my buddies who I see riding coasters like AC.
In general I much prefer lap bar restraints. I find OTS very uncomfortable. I think the industry has moved in this direction for comfort and freedom of movement. You will see on a lot of PTC trains with the addition of a seat belt as well. I don't really know what a seat belt would actually do in this situation, but perhaps they are necessary for all lapbar style coasters.
I just really can't see a ride like Apollo's Chariot with OTSR or a classic woodie with OTSR for that matter.
Shane said:
Easy. If it is on the sides of the restraint and tightened it could prevent full release. If it is under the lap bar then it would prevent the occupant from leaving the seat in the event of a lapbar malfunction.
b.mac said:
This. I remember seeing a man try to ride on opening weekend and was denied. While he fit easily in the seat the protrusion of his large belly prevented the restraint from clicking at all. And two ride-ops even tried to push down using their body weight. If all the restraints do not go down at least two clicks the ride won't dispatch.
Most coasters can operate safely without shoulder harnesses. More parks are moving away from them since they really aren't completely necessary and at times are actually uncomfortable/restricting on riders. Many looping coasters were built in the 70s and 80s without shoulder harnesses. More parks are going back to that. In a lot of cases looping coasters with lapbars also have foot guards to keep you in place in crazy transitions.