Family in deadly NJ Ferris wheel fall wants safety belts

WILDWOOD, N.J. -- The family of a young girl who fell to her death from a Ferris wheel in New Jersey earlier this month said they want lap restraints put in place as the ride reopened today, the Philadelphia Daily News reported.

The Giant Wheel at Morey's Piers in Wildwood, N.J., was shut down on June 3 after Abiah Jones, 11, fatally plummeted 100 feet from the moving Ferris wheel while visiting the park on a school trip.

New safety guidelines on the reopened ride include a requirement that there be at least two riders in each gondola, Morey's Piers spokeswoman Lindsey Young said.

The park has also increased the minimum height requirement for children to ride the Ferris wheel without an adult from 54 inches to 60 inches.

Despite the changes, lawyers for Abiah's family contend that the ride should not be reopened until lap restraints are installed in each car, the report said.

"Otherwise, what happened to Abiah Jones could happen again," attorneys from two law firms representing her family said.

"We certainly appreciate that they have taken some steps toward preventing another tragic accident like this," said Larry Bendesky, one of the attorneys. "But they haven't done the most important thing to prevent this from happening again, and that is [installing] lap restraints."

Police said Monday that Abiah was not in her seat at the top of the ride when she fell, but there were no eyewitnesses who could confirm how the Pleasantville, N.J. girl got out of the gondola. Surveillance video only shows part of Jones' fall to the ground.

Car Safety Harnesses | DoggieVogue Blog

Unrestrained pets can be a dangerous distraction while driving. They may jump around and distract you. Then, what happens if you get into an accident or have to brake suddenly? AAA recent found that pets and loose objects were the third worst distraction to drivers. To avoid something happening to you or your pet, your dog should be safely restrained in your car at all times when traveling.

Conventional car seat belts are designed to protect people, not pets. Crates will keep your pet from roaming around, but will not protect them in an accident. Dog car harnesses are made specifically for dogs are the best way to keep your pet safe while traveling. The harness is a series of straps and buckles that fasten to the seat belt in your car and retain your pet like a normal safety belt. A good harness should be made of nylon webbing and retain your dog around their body and neck. Make sure it’s comfortable! While wearing the harness, your pet should be able to sit, stand, and lay down while strapped into their car harness. Check to see that the buckles will not catch in your pet’s fur or pull on it.

Your dog will need time to adjust to wearing a car harness. If you are planning a long trip you should make a few brief trips first, to give your dog time to get used to wearing the harness. Once he becomes accustomed to wearing his safety harness, car rides will be both pleasant and safe, and should and accident occur, you will both be protected!

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