7 Tips for Fall Fun Safety
There’s perhaps nothing that more embodies fall than heading down to the local pumpkin patch. You can pick out the perfect gourd for carving, purchase apple cider and donuts, wander through a corn maze and hop on a hayride. Seriously, who doesn’t enjoy riding through a farm or orchard while sitting on a bale of hay? Surprisingly, when searching for hayride safety tips online, few articles are found. The best resource seems to be from the Haunted House Association, is written for operators, but we can easily apply their recommendations as safety tips for riders.
- Follow the posted rules. A reputable business operating a hayride should have posted rules, probably near the waiting area or cash register. Read them, and take some time to explain them to your children.
- Listen to ticket takers, attendants and operators. These people not only know the rules of the hayride, but are also probably reciting them. They will correct anyone they see doing something wrong.
- Do not stand on the ride. Once the ride starts, don’t stand, plain and simple. Hay can be slippery, and a moving wagon is not a stable surface to stand on.
- Do not throw the straw. This seems kind of innocent yet can be another unsafe behavior as it can lead to others throwing hay and turn into a hay throwing bonanza.
- Do not use cameras or other devices that will distract you. You may really want to take a quick photo of your family on the hayride to post on Facebook. Please don’t. While the ride is moving, it’s important to keep your focus on the ride.
- Hold on. It’s one simple way to help ensure you won’t fall off the ride.
- Keep arms and legs inside the wagon. You don’t know the trail the wagon will travel. There might be some tight spaces. Keeping your arms and legs inside the wagon will help make sure nothing hits you.
It’s a lot of common sense, but it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and forget the rules. And hayrides are a lot of fun – more so when everyone is safe. Please take care and enjoy all that fall has to offer safely.