At issue is whether the alteration or modification of a key component in the Wildcat Roller Coaster car's safety device, without proper notification of the Department of Labor, violated the Amusement Ride Safety Act and the ODOL's Amusement Ride Safety Rules. It doesn't matter whether the inferior plastic worked without incident over a fifteen year period or whether it was used industry-wide. Nylatron does not meet the Wildcat manufacturer's specifications and should not have been used in a device designed to prevent accidents and possible injury or death to riders. This additional alteration is considered to be a contributing cause to the accident which may have facilitated the dropping of the chain as the car moved up the hill. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.
Inspections are only good at the time a ride is certified.
But, proposed rules and legislation should decrease associated risks by making sure certified mechanics maintain the rides and document all maintenance. The formal training of park employees and mandatory notification of any incident involving injury or mechanical malfunction which requires the removal or modification of any part of a mechanical ride are also necessary changes.