t to the first full fairs and festivals season since 2019 should have safer options for fun after the passage of Tyler’s Law, which went into effect last November.

Named, for Tyler Jarrell, who died after being thrown from a ride at the Ohio State Fair in 2017, the law is meant to increase amusement ride safety and improve the inspection process.

Adopting new American Society for Testing and Materials standards, the idea is to ensure all rides meet at least the minimum requirements for inspection and testing, and establish the minimum number of times rides must be inspected each year.

“Ohio is setting the standard for amusement rides rules and regulations,” said Ohio Department of Agriculture Chief of Amusement Rides and Safety David Miran.

“These rules have ride owners keeping strict records for each piece of equipment they own, while also ensuring each ride receives a thorough inspection,” Miran added.

That is good news, though it is still mind boggling such standards were not in place before.

Meanwhile, parents can have some assurance there are improved efforts to keep rides safe, but they should not abandon their own judgment. If a ride appears unsafe to you, or you think your child may not be old enough or large enough to take a ride safely, trust your instincts.

With improved safety measures and a little common sense, this fairs and festivals season should be just the fun we’ve all been missing.