Michigan considers reducing ride operator age to 16

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

Michigan State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom is pushing forward a proposal in the Michigan legislature that would allow 16-year-olds to operate amusement park rides. Currently in the state of Michigan, the law requires ride operators to be 18.

Related parks

Michigan's Adventure

And they say MiA is neglected!

Hobbes: "What's the point of attaching a number to everything you do?"
Calvin: "If your numbers go up, it means you're having more fun."

My first job as a 16-year-old was ride operator at Great America Santa Clara. I have mixed feelings about some of the blowback. I absolutely loved the job. I'd still do it if it paid my adult bills. Do I feel safe in the hands of a 16-year-old having been there and done that? Probably, yes. I witnessed plenty of incidents where kids under 18 did the correct thing and probably saved people from injury. Anyway, we let 16-year-olds drive, and cars are MUCH more dangerous than most rides.

"I go out at 3 o' clock for a quart of milk and come home to my son treating his body like an amusement park!" - Estelle Costanza

You must be logged in to post