Fear of using Hyperion, Zadra or Aztec Swing is a normal defense reaction of our body. It is similar with bungee jumping. The longer we stand on the platform, the more difficult it will be for us to jump. The body will defend itself, the heart rate will increase, the breathing will increase and the palms will be sweaty. However, believe me, using the attractions in Energylandia is as safe as possible. This is me who felt stress during the first run on Zadra and Hyperion, and I didn’t get a grip on a ride until after a few runs. Of course, each of us has different predispositions and one person will raise their hands on the slope during the first ride on the Hyperion, while another will need 10 rides. In this post, I will try to explain to you what and who watches over our safety and whether the attractions in Energylandia are safe.

How often are amusement park accidents?

It has been calculated that the probability of dying in an amusement park is 1 in 834 million . Maybe these numbers don’t tell you much. To illustrate , flying by plane carries a death risk of 1 in 215 million , yet it is said to be the safest mode of transport.

Do you know how many people are killed each year by shark or cow attacks? More than in amusement parks! We will even sooner be fatally struck by lightning than fall out of the security measures of Zadra or Hyperion. The international association of stationary amusement parks around the world has slightly different statistics that say that life-threatening accidents happen 1 time in 16 million. For comparison, according to the Central American Institute of Meteorology, we will be hit by lightning with a probability of 1 to 775,000 (not millions!).

When Energylandia celebrated its first birthday in 2015, as many as 335 million people visited all the amusement parks in the world. They have made 1.6 million rides on roller coaster and other attractions. Best of all, none of those 335 million in 400 parks around the world got hurt.

Who and what watches over security in Energylandia?

The list of security measures and people responsible for our safety when riding even a family rollercoaster is really long. It is necessary to start with a large group of employees. There are about 500 of those in Energylandia – mechanics, conservators and equipment operators. They take care of the technical condition of each attraction and safe operation throughout the day. These employees start work many hours before admitting the first guests at 10 am. Very early in the morning, mechanics start the celebration by checking the most important elements of the attractions. If any defect is detected, they proceed to remove it.Operators also have to be present at their stands before opening and usually make several test runs, still without passengers.

Another issue concerns the construction of the roller coaster itself. Take a look at the road wheels as you wait for your ride. Note that the wheels are not only above the track, but also on the underside and even to the side of the track. This configuration makes derailing the queue almost impossible!

How do attraction safety systems work?

On top of all this, there are dozens of sensors. They are located both in the safety devices of every person, at the station, but also in many places on the track and in the braking section. The signals from the sensors go to the CNC controller, which, based on the pulses, knows exactly when the queue has stopped, when it has started and when it is going too fast. Thanks to this data, the driver is able to react appropriately and, for example, slow down the journey at the right time. What’s more, if one of the sensors shows that you are not properly fastened, the queue will not start. It even happened to me personally that the operator said to the employees the number of the seat on which they have to check and tighten the protection. It also happened that it was me. When pressed, I usually felt discomfort, but only temporarily. At least I was sure that I was properly buttoned up.

Another issue concerns the theme park attraction design itself. Designers are strongly supported by the laws of physics. You can experience this, for example, on all inversions on the Mayan roller coaster, or on inversions (loops) in the Abyssus. When it’s upside down, do you fall off the seat? Not! This is exactly how centrifugal force works. During these types of effects, you are pressed into the seat, not torn from it. There are, of course, exceptions, especially on Hyperion , but also on Aztec and Zadra.

Are attractions undergoing state inspections?

All attractions should meet the requirements of the European TÜV certificate and safety, and be controlled by The Office of Technical Inspection. The latter is a Polish institution that performs annual reviews of attractions and if everything is fine, it issues a one-year consent to use the device . The mechanics of Energylandia themselves are also obliged to frequent and meticulous inspectionsand probably also people who have attended the courses of the Office of Technical Inspection. In spring, just before the opening of Energylandia, employees have to check practically every tiniest element of the attractions, including the screws. And there are probably tens of thousands of those in such a roller coaster. It is similar when the park is prepared for the winter season. In the hydraulic systems of attractions, fluids and oils are replaced with those that will not lose their properties at low temperatures.

Are the security measures in Energylandia effective?

You already know something about inspections, inspections and certifications. Time to talk about the safety features themselves, the ones we usually stick to on a ride. There are several types of security. The least effective and least trustworthy are usually the weakest attractions. Contrary to appearances, there is nothing to fear. Nothing bad can happen at such attractions. Usually it’s a car-like belt or a metal tube that doesn’t even press on us. These safeguards are to prevent getting up and possible falling out if for some reason the attraction breaks down and comes to a halt. On the larger attractions, we can find safety devices blocking us at the height of the thighs.This is the case, for example, on Energuś, Boomerang, the Light Explorers Team, and even Hyperion. We have a third type, where we are secured at the height of the thighs and shoulders. This type of protection can be found on Mayana, Formula, Abyssus, Space Booster, Space Gun and Aztec Swing.

It is this third type of security that inspires the greatest confidence. We feel pressed from the legs up, which increases the comfort of the ride. But believe me, Zadra and Hyperion, the two most powerful roller coasters, have no shoulder protection, and the ride is truly phenomenal. Only the legs are pressed on the Hyperion. During all negative overloads, we feel as if we were flying out of the seat. This is an effect specially triggered to enhance the driving experience. Zadra, on the other hand, has specific safeguards. First, we fasten with a belt similar to a car belt. It must be well tightened. And then we have a blockade for the shins and thighs. It seems that it is not enough. But we’re actually better locked in the seat than on the Hyperion.

Which attractions do I feel less safe at?

If I had to select attractions in Energylandia from among all the security features where I consider security to be the least comfortable and the least trustworthy , I would choose 4 attractions: Aztec Swing, Apocalypto, Space Gun and Space Booster. Why? After all, we have full thigh and arm protection there. Well, because these attractions are relatively old, inflexible, not very adapting to the body and sometimes giving the impression of being loose. After all, nobody has been hurt on these devices yet.

Has anyone died in Energylandia?

Not. Since the beginning of Energylandia, i.e. since 2014, none of the guests has had any serious accident, let alone died. However, this does not mean that there were no accidents in Energylandia. You will learn more in the text Did anyone die in Energylandia?