Roller coaster inspectors like Dave Hewitt watch and listen for loose parts, leaks, cracks, and excessive wear and tear, and he says parents should be on the lookout too.

Hewitt says parents who bring their kids to amusement parks should look for a few telling signs of safety before putting their children on the rides. He urges parents to watch a ride at least once before letting their children ride.

"Each ride should have a New Jersey State Permit and a green sticker proving it was inspected. If it has a red sticker, it failed," Hewitt says.

If the amusement park staff cannot show the green sticker, Hewitt says, "I'd be a little leery about putting my kid on the ride."

Hewitt says safety inspectors cannot be there all the time, so if an incident that involves an amusement ride were to happen, that is where parents need to step in.

Sonia McCrimlisk, of Lincoln Park, takes her children's safety to the next step. "I make sure I buckle the kids in. I strap them. I watch the entire time. I never walk away."

State inspectors check out rides before amusement parks open for the season. Some permanent amusement parks like, Morey's Piers and Great Adventure, also have full-time maintenance workers to check them daily.