Tyler’s Law: Why It’s Causing a Ride Shortage at Ohio Events

The Scioto County Fair Board asked folks attending the fair to please be understanding about the shortage of rides at this year’s event. They said the fair’s ride provider canceled on short notice and they had no other available options. They aren’t alone. If you've been to a fair or festival in Ohio recently, you might have noticed something missing: some of your favorite rides. The reason? A new safety regulation called Tyler's Law is making sure that all amusement rides are safe—but it's also making it a little harder for events to keep all their rides up and running. What Is Tyler's Law? Tyler's Law was passed in Ohio after a tragic accident at the 2017 Ohio State Fair, where an amusement ride called the Fire Ball malfunctioned, leading to the death of an 18-year-old named Tyler Jarrell. (SCDN was the first news outlet to bring live stream coverage of this tragedy, even before local Columbus news was able to get to the scene) This law, named in his honor, requires stricter safety inspections for all amusement rides across the state. It includes more frequent checks, better record-keeping, and higher standards for the companies that maintain these rides. Why Is It Causing a Ride Shortage? The law is a big win for safety, but it has also made things more complicated for ride operators. Here’s why: More Inspections: Every ride now needs to be inspected more often, and these inspections are more detailed. This means that rides might be taken out of service for longer periods, waiting for inspectors to check them. Higher Costs: With the new rules, it costs more to operate a ride. Companies need to spend more on maintenance, repairs, and compliance, which can be tough, especially for smaller operators. Fewer Operators: Some companies that used to provide rides have decided it’s not worth the extra hassle and cost, so they’ve stopped offering their services in Ohio. This has led to fewer rides being available for events. How Is This Affecting Events? The shortage of rides has hit fairs, festivals, and other events in Ohio pretty hard. Some events have had to cut back on the number of rides they offer, or even cancel some of them altogether. This can be disappointing for visitors, especially those who look forward to these rides every year. However, event organizers and ride operators understand the importance of safety. While there might be fewer rides, the ones that are available are being held to the highest safety standards, which is reassuring for everyone. Looking Ahead While Tyler's Law has caused some growing pains for the amusement industry in Ohio, it’s a step forward in making sure that rides are safe for everyone. As operators adjust to the new regulations, we might see things improve over time, with more rides making a comeback once they meet the safety standards. In the meantime, if you're heading to an event, know that the rides you do see have been checked and double-checked to keep you safe.

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