Need for Speed: Roller-Coaster Safety Tips You Should Know

Follow these tips to enjoy theme-park rides safely.

Tragedy Strikes - Six Flags Entertainment Corp. has launched an investigation into what caused the death of a Rosa Ayala-Goana, who died Friday when she fell from the Texas Giant roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. The tragedy is the latest in roller coaster accidents making headlines over the years, and brings national attention to safety measures in place to protect riders. If you choose to indulge your need for speed and great heights, here's what you should know to do so safely. —Britt Middleton  (Photo: Purestock/Getty Images)

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Tragedy Strikes - Six Flags Entertainment Corp. has launched an investigation into what caused the death of a Rosa Ayala-Goana, who died Friday when she fell from the Texas Giant roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. The tragedy is the latest in roller coaster accidents making headlines over the years, and brings national attention to safety measures in place to protect riders. If you choose to indulge your need for speed and great heights, here's what you should know to do so safely. —Britt Middleton  (Photo: Purestock/Getty Images)

Do Something Scary - Whether that means riding a roller coaster or jumping out of a plane, try something that freaks you out. You might like it! And if you don’t, at least you tried.  (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

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Obey All Posted Signs - It may seem like a no-brainer, but reading the posted safety rules — including any age, height, weight and health restrictions — can guide your decision if a particular ride is safe for you or a family member. (Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Get a Sneak Preview - While you're waiting in line, watch the ride so you can get an idea of what to expect. Also, pay attention to where riders are loaded and unloaded. (Photo: David McNew/Newsmakers)

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Get a Sneak Preview - While you're waiting in line, watch the ride so you can get an idea of what to expect. Also, pay attention to where riders are loaded and unloaded. (Photo: David McNew/Newsmakers)

Dress Appropriately - Be sure to securing loose clothing, jewelry and long hair, if necessary, to prevent anything from snagging during the ride. Wear closed-toed shoes or sneakers. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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Dress Appropriately - Be sure to securing loose clothing, jewelry and long hair, if necessary, to prevent anything from snagging during the ride. Wear closed-toed shoes or sneakers. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Follow the Rules - Always keep your head, hands, arms, legs and feet inside the ride at all times. Additionally, don’t reach toward fences or barriers, which can cause damage to the ride or yourself. (Photo: The Plain Dealer /Landov)

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Follow the Rules - Always keep your head, hands, arms, legs and feet inside the ride at all times. Additionally, don’t reach toward fences or barriers, which can cause damage to the ride or yourself. (Photo: The Plain Dealer /Landov)

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Stay Seated - The saying "buckle up and enjoy the ride" is never more poignant than when in a moving theme-park attraction. Experts say it's important to stay seated in the "locked and loaded" position throughout the duration of the ride and until it comes to a complete stop. Exit will only by instructed by a ride operator. (Photo: ATABOY/Getty Images)

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Stay Seated - The saying "buckle up and enjoy the ride" is never more poignant than when in a moving theme-park attraction. Experts say it's important to stay seated in the "locked and loaded" position throughout the duration of the ride and until it comes to a complete stop. Exit will only by instructed by a ride operator. (Photo: ATABOY/Getty Images)

Listen Up - Follow all verbal instructions from ride operators or through recorded announcements. (Photo: Adam Rountree/Getty Images)

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Listen Up - Follow all verbal instructions from ride operators or through recorded announcements. (Photo: Adam Rountree/Getty Images)

Maintain Proper Posture - Particularly during fast-moving rides, keep your eyes looking forward. This can protect your neck from injury during abrupt accelerations or changes in direction. (Photo: Zia Soleil/Getty Images)

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Maintain Proper Posture - Particularly during fast-moving rides, keep your eyes looking forward. This can protect your neck from injury during abrupt accelerations or changes in direction. (Photo: Zia Soleil/Getty Images)

Buckle Up - Always use safety belts, lap bars, shoulder harnesses or any other safety equipment provided. If you're unsure if they are properly latched, ask a ride operator for help. Do not try to loosen restraints or safety devices. (Photo: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)

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Buckle Up - Always use safety belts, lap bars, shoulder harnesses or any other safety equipment provided. If you're unsure if they are properly latched, ask a ride operator for help. Do not try to loosen restraints or safety devices. (Photo: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)

Don't Rock the Ride - You should never stand up in a roller coaster or rock a vehicle that is not intended to be controlled by the rider. Doing so increases the risk of injury for yourself and others around you. (Photo: Scott K. Brown/Busch Gardens Williamsburg via Getty Images)

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Don't Rock the Ride - You should never stand up in a roller coaster or rock a vehicle that is not intended to be controlled by the rider. Doing so increases the risk of injury for yourself and others around you. (Photo: Scott K. Brown/Busch Gardens Williamsburg via Getty Images)

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Be Patient - We have all experienced when a ride stops momentarily, but you should never stand up or attempt to get off the ride, as the ride may start up again at any moment and the sudden movement could cause injury to you or someone else. Instead, stay seated and wait for a ride operator to assist. (Photo: Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

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Be Patient - We have all experienced when a ride stops momentarily, but you should never stand up or attempt to get off the ride, as the ride may start up again at any moment and the sudden movement could cause injury to you or someone else. Instead, stay seated and wait for a ride operator to assist. (Photo: Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

Take a Break - Especially for roller coasters, take frequent breaks between high-speed rides. Too many in rapid succession can result in the loss of consciousness and cause other health complications. Stop riding if you feel excessively tired. (Photo: Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

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Take a Break - Especially for roller coasters, take frequent breaks between high-speed rides. Too many in rapid succession can result in the loss of consciousness and cause other health complications. Stop riding if you feel excessively tired. (Photo: Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

Amusement Park Adventures - Get your thrills at a nearby theme park, which is a great kid-friendly destination for family staycations. If the weather is on the hot side, cool off at a water park.(Photo: Darren McCollester/Newsmakers)

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See Something? Say Something - Alert a ride operator if you see unsafe behavior or safety conditions on a ride. In additional, don't get on a ride if you think it's poorly maintained or if the ride operator isn't paying attention. (Photo: Darren McCollester/Newsmakers)

Stay Hydrated - During a hot day at the theme park, it's important to stay hydrated. However, avoid drinking alcohol as this can put yourself and others at risk for injury. (Photo: Stanley Chou/Getty Images)

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Stay Hydrated - During a hot day at the theme park, it's important to stay hydrated. However, avoid drinking alcohol as this can put yourself and others at risk for injury. (Photo: Stanley Chou/Getty Images)