The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has welcomed news that roller coasters present no danger to riders.

A survey by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) found no public health risk in the rides and in a similar study, Exponent Failure Analysis Associates (Exponent), concluded that roller coasters are safe.

The two independent studies were commissioned last year by Six Flags Theme Parks, following 'increasingly sensationalized, unauthenticated media reports' on the safety of theme park rides.

Dr Robert Harbaugh of the AANS, said: 'Our panel concluded there is no proof roller coasters cause neurological injury and amusement park attendance has no significant public health risk associated with it.'

Dr Lee Dickinson, on behalf of Exponent, said: 'We looked in detail at g-forces, medical literature and data provided by both the government and Six Flags and found nothing to suggest the existence of a public health issue.'

Gary Story, president and chief operating officer of Six Flags, said: 'WE will remain vigilant in our commitment to monitor and ensure ride safety. I am pleased that the AANS and Exponent studies point to no adverse trends today, and we will continue to monitor our safety records in order to reassure our patrons of our commitment to their safety.'

The company has also announced it is working with Neuro-Knowledge, a program of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, in a research effort to report any head injury information from Six Flags properties to a monitory board. It is also developing a similar program to report any non-head injury data for analysis and monitoring.