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Why Do Some People Pass Out When They Ride A Roller Coaster?

Roller coaster fans were undoubtedly interested to hear that Fury 325 has reopened at Carowinds after a cracked support columns was replaced. It turns out there were other cracks on…

People riding a roller coaster

Researchers at Rice University looked into the reason why people pass out on roller coasters. (Photo by jacoblund/Getty Images)

Photo by jacoblund/Getty Images

Roller coaster fans were undoubtedly interested to hear that Fury 325 has reopened at Carowinds after a cracked support columns was replaced. It turns out there were other cracks on Fury 325, too, so I'm not sure how eager folks are to actually ride it. Just the thought of it might make one a bit woozy. However, with so much at stake, Carowinds conducted rigorous tests and inspections following the repairs. I'm confident the ride is safe.

Speaking of woozy, we’ve all seen videos on social media of people suddenly passing out on an amusement park ride for a few seconds only to quickly regain consciousness. There's a prime example of this in the first video below. It's not quite blacking out. These episodes are known as "greyouts." Why does it happen?

According to WHTM-TV, researchers at Rice University looked into the reason why people pass out when riding a roller coaster. The short answer is positive G-forces. Because of a roller coaster’s varying drops, this can cause the body to experience a higher than normal G-Force. When this happens, a rush of blood can move away from your brain and down toward your feet, which causes a person to briefly pass out...or grey out. You can see an illustration HERE.

Other factors that can lead to someone passing out on a roller coaster include taking too many consecutive rides, dehydration, and not eating enough food. All of those things should be avoidable. Take a break between roller coaster runs. And for Pete's sake, the funnel cake and giant overpriced sodas are there for a reason, people!

Top 10 Scariest Roller Coasters in the World

Dare to be wild on some of the most insane roller coasters! Are you a roller coaster and adrenalin junkie? Do you enjoy being tossed, flipped, and jerked all over the place on a roller coaster? If so, then I am sure you have wondered, what are some of the best roller coasters? Realistically, when I say best I mean scariest. I enjoy roller coasters, but do I still get scared and feel like I am going to puke before getting on? Absolutely!

Could you imagine riding the scariest roller coasters in the world just to be able to rank them? Well, someone else did so you don't have to. Coaster Studios on YouTube ranked the top 10 scariest roller coasters in the world for 2022. With over 600,000 views with his YouTube video, I think you may want to know which coasters are the scariest. Would I be able to ride all of these roller coasters? I am not sure if my stomach could handle these roller coasters. Check out this list of their top 10 scariest roller coasters in the world.

10. Mountain Monster, Pigeon Forge, TN

9. Orlando Star Flyer, Icon Park Orlando

8. Sky Cycle, Brazilian Park Washuzan Highland

7. Big Shot, The Strat, Las Vegas

6. Orlando Free Fall, Icon Park

5. World's Tallest Skycoaster, Fun Spot Kissimmee

4. Insanity, The Strat, Las Vegas

3. Giant Canyon Swing, Glenwood Caverns

2. Terror Dactyl, Cave of the Winds

1. X-Scream, The Strat, Las Vegas

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.