Functional Subsystems

• Data Management System (DatMan) - Collects, stores, categorizes, and organizes the data. RIDES will provide the ability for machine to machine input (file transfer, XML, Web Services, etc.) into the system by regulatory agencies. Standalone and installable software will be provided for those agencies that are not currently computerized and would like to use RIDES DatMan as the start of their data centers.
• Broad-based Research, Analysis, and Intelligence Network (BRAIN) - Gathers and integrates relevant information from a wide variety of sources. The RIDES BRAIN is a human-guided, computer-assisted subsystem.
• Web-based Communication System (WebCom) - Disseminates information, analyses, and recommendations to the various communities served by RIDES in a format appropriate to each. Audiences include consumers, industry, government, health and safety professionals, and the press.
  
  Sample RIDES Webpages:
  • Government Data Record Description
  • Sample Consumer Alert

Input to RIDES

• From the RIDES User Community - Reports of accidents/incidents, concerns, questions, and suggestions that may help guide research or aid in understanding potentially harmful interactions between thrill ride machines and the children and adults who use them.
• From Regulatory Agencies - Accident reports and other safety records collected and shared through public records statute (will vary across jurisdictions); Information on functions performed by regulatory officials and extent of jurisdiction (i.e., which rides/devices at which venues are covered); findings and recommendations pertinent to consumers.
• From Industry - Non-proprietary information distributed by manufacturers and owner/operators that could aid in understanding causes and patterns of injury on amusement rides. This includes rules, restrictions, and alerts regarding potential hazards to patrons that have not been mitigated by mandatory design changes or machine guarding (e.g., behavior or health issues that can cause injury). Consensus standards, also called industry standards, are developed and distributed by independent organizations, but have been included in this category because they reflect industry consensus on accepted practices in the design and operation of amusement rides.
• From News Media - News reports on amusement ride accidents, recalls or alerts, legislative changes, medical or technical research, and other pertinent information.
• From Technical/Medical Experts - Research findings, explanations, and recommendations that may help guide RIDES research and analysis, or aid the public in understanding potentially harmful interactions.

Output Produced by RIDES

• Tips & Recommendations - Recommendations, instructions, and warnings to consumers based on the information and expert opinions gathered through RIDES.
• Network of Contacts - Links and contact information to help RIDES users find resources they need to address a specific question or issue.
• Reports
  • Published analyses produced by RIDES pertaining to causes or patterns of amusement ride injury.
  • Summaries or notices of news reports, medical or technical research, regulatory alerts, or non-proprietary industry alerts that may be of interest to some or all of the RIDES user communities.
• Data Obtained from Public Sources
  • Information on state and local safety agencies with jurisdiction over amusement rides and devices, including inspection requirements and rules for reporting/investigating accidents.
  • Accident reports and other public records obtained from government regulatory agencies.

Benefits of RIDES >