The news media this past week focused a lot of attention on amusement park rides - especially roller coasters. According to their reports, several parks across the country have closed down their roller coasters pending further investigation of serious, sometimes even fatal, injuries sustained by people who were "enjoying" a ride on the roller coaster. Early reports seem to indicate that in some instances mechanical error did indeed account for the accident. But in at least one of these incidents – the one that occurred at King’s Dominion here in Virginia – the initial report says that it was the irresponsible actions of the person who sustained the injury and subsequently died that led to the accident.

A roller coaster ride is seen by many as the ultimate thrill. Please don’t include me in …