Roller-Coaster Risks Debated

Roller-coasters are meant for thrills and chills, but as CBS News Correspondent Sandra Hughes reports, some worry there's a real risk.

Theme parks are constantly in search of coasters that accelerate at break-neck speeds while achieving higher highs and deeper dips.

Parks from coast to coast compete to feed the growing appetite for thrills -- this week, Knott's Berry Farm tested "The Accelerator," which blasts from 0-80 mph in two seconds.

Because of rides like "The Accelerator," there are growing fears about health risks associated with roller-coasters. But despite the concerns, ride engineers say they are scary, but still safe.

"The thrill comes from being high above the ground and going fast, and that doesn't necessarily make it any more hazardous," said Chuck Monson, a test engineer.

But it might have been more hazardous for 28-year-old Pearl Santos, who died right after her ride on Magic Mountain's "Goliath" coaster last summer. Santos died of a brain aneurysm she didn't know she had.

"I believe the forces exerted on her body, the lateral forces, caused it to burst," said family spokesman Javier Santos. "That's my personal opinion."

Some new rides can deliver g-forces greater than the space shuttle. Combine that with rapid changes in direction and, "You can end up with tearing of bridging veins and tissues -- similar to what happens in shaken baby syndrome," said Barry Novak, Santos's attorney.

The amusement park industry points out there is no medical proof of a connection. But critics want federal regulation, saying the number of brain injuries over the past decade has increased.

"I have now compiled more than 50 examples of brain injuries, and I'm asking for the federal government to do a comprehensive study," said Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass.

Bill Powers, an amusement park industry lobbyist, is quick to answer back.

"26,700 children were injured and went to emergency rooms last year due to foot-powered scooters and two died," said Powers. "Why isn't he trying to regulate those?"

For now, only New Jersey is proposing g-force standards. California started requiring parks to report all injuries this year, but some want more.

"You at least have to tell the public that there is an inherent risk that you could suffer a serious injury, even death, by going on the attraction," said Novak.

But how much risk, and who's likely to be injured, is still up in the air.