Just curious, has anyone ever been convicted in any county of the offense of Assembling or Operating an Amusement Ride While Intoxicated?

I've always wondered this myself. I get the operation part, but assembling the ride while intoxicated? I'd love to know the legislative history, and what particular incident led to that inclusion in the statute.

The incident that led to the statute occurred several years ago at the Travis County Fair and Rodeo. The carnie who was operating a ride (can't remember the particular ride) was intoxicated and didn't latch the restraining buy on one of the cars. Both occupants--a brother and sister--were ejected and the girl struck a wall and was killed. I don't know why they included assembling a ride, but think of what could happen if the someone assembling the ride did it incorrectly because he or she was intoxicated. As for prosecutions, I don't know if anyone has ever been convicted, but I do know that people have been arrested for violation 49.065. I have talked to more than one Trooper who arrested a carnie operator for the offense while working secondary employment at fairs.

Janette A

A 15 year-old girl was killed riding the Himalaya at the Austin-Travis County Livestock Show + Rodeo.

I will admit that since graduating college and realizing what a tenuous grip we all have on life, I now partake of nothing more dangerous at a carnival than a funnel cake. It's a shame too, some of the little coasters are fun. Of course, I think they're statistically the rides most likely to kill you...

We successfully prosecuted a Assembling an Amusement Ride While Intoxicated about 6 years ago. The arrest was made as the carnival was setting up for the annual "Spring Ho Festival." Really, that's the name!