Six Flags To Educate Congressman On Theme Park Safety

Oklahoma City, OK -- Six Flags the world's largest regional theme park company has contacted the American Association of Neurological Surgeons to ask the organization to perform an independent scientific study on ride safety.

"I contacted the American Association of Neurological Surgeons today to ask them to consider a study to review the world's scientific literature and help develop a prospective study regarding the effects of theme park rides as it relates to the brain," Gary Story, president of Six Flags, Inc., said.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons is a world renowned, independent organization made up of leading doctors in the field of neurosurgery. The group serves as the spokes-organization for neurosurgeons in North America and does not rely on government funding.

"We question the Brain Injury Association's ability to conduct a thoughtful and deliberative scientific study within the time they have been allotted," Story said. "Accuracy is crucial in this ongoing public discussion."

"Safety is our number one concern at Six Flags," Story explained. "As a company we place the greatest amount of time, talent and resources toward our safety program and we are always looking for ways to improve our system. We welcome the scientific information the American Association of Neurological Surgeons can offer our industry."

"Our industry is committed to fun in a safe and wholesome environment," Story said. "In the U.S. alone, our industry welcomes over 317 million visitors a year and provides over three billion safe rides. Government statistics continue to demonstrate that fixed-site amusement rides continue to be one of the safest forms of recreation available."

Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company with 38 parks in North America, Europe and Latin America. The company hosts over 50 million guests annually.