Thousands of Kids Injured Each Year on Amusement Park Rides

The usual panic of the day with calls for regulation

When parents fish for loose change during a trip to the mall so their kid can ride in a mechanical pony or car, the last thing on their minds may be that the seemingly innocent machine can put their child at risk for a major injury.

However, a new study that tracked child injuries on rides found kids who use "mall rides" may face a higher risk of head, neck or face injuries or concussions.

The study tracked child injuries that occurred on rides found in amusement parks, fairs, festivals, arcades, restaurants, stores and malls. Researchers found more than 4,400 ride-related injuries send kids to U.S. emergency rooms each year, many of which occurred outside of traditional amusement park settings.