Did you know? I didn't know!

From today's Arizona Republic:

Days after a frightening incident at a popular northwest Phoenix amusement park, at least two Arizona legislators are considering pushing for state-mandated safety inspections of thrill rides. Their interest in regulating the attractions comes as Gov. Janet Napolitano approved a $3 billion venture to open two large-scale amusement parks in west Phoenix and Williams. But, because Arizona is one of fewer than a dozen states that do not require inspections of amusement rides, safety at the new parks would not be monitored by any state regulatory agency.

I did not know that. Probably wouldn't have kept me off the roller coaster at Castles-n-Coasters, but still! Deep in the piece we come to find out why:

Arizona legislators could not explain the lack of regulations, saying Castles N' Coasters in northwest Phoenix has been the only permanent theme park in the state and that laws would have been passed solely for that facility.

Which of course makes sense. Seems unreasonable to write legislation that only applies to one single entity in the entire state. Especially when said entity takes the intended step on its own.

With the expected development of the two new parks in the state, the expectation that the state will/should regulate safety is more reasonable.