Safety/Standards
What does the ASTM stand for? And why are they important?
American Society for Testing and Materials; set the standards or "default rulebook" that many states follow to ensure the quality, safety, and performance for different products or services.
What was the record Schlitterbahn was attempting to break when designing the Verrückt?
world’s tallest and fastest waterslide
What changes were proposed to improve ride safety regulations?
Requiring certified engineers, more rigorous inspections, better oversight + state-wide inspection
What ethical responsibilities do engineers and amusement park developers have in ensuring public safety? How were those compromised in this case?
Public safety must be prioritized, following all proper standards and guidelines; safety was compromised in favor of speed, ambition, glory
What safety mechanisms were lacking or improperly implemented in the design of the waterslide?
Any of the following: no over-the-shoulder restraints, restraints made of velcro (against ASTM), careless netting placement, improperly secured rafts
What key reforms could reduce the risk of similar incidents, and how might federal regulation support them?
Federal ride safety standards, mandatory incident reporting/response, third-party testing and evaluation
Name two safety protocols that were ignored/not implemented in the Verrückt incident and then two safety protocols that amusement parks are required to follow before opening rides to the public
Ignored: did not get certified engineer approval, lack of full-scale testing, ride was opened despite the known safety concerns, age restriction was removed
Required: daily inspections, certified maintenance checks, staff training, enforcement of age/height restrictions, emergency stop systems
In what ways did the Verrückt highlight systemic issues in the amusement park industry?
exposed lack of federal regulatory oversight and lack of standards, resulting in unsafe, life-threatening designs
How can transparency and accountability be increased in the design, testing, and operation phases of product development?
Clear communication, open documentation, mandatory safety certifications stakeholder engagement throughout the entire design process, thorough, continuous testing and monitoring, public reporting/whistleblower protection