David Goldstein Reports

COSTA MESA, Calif. (CBS) ― It's banned while driving. So we were shocked when we caught workers at amusement park rides texting and chatting while operating thrill rides filled with kids. Investigative Reporter David Goldstein uncovers what could be a risky ride in a CBS 2 investigation.

While your kids are screaming and shouting getting the thrill of their lives...

We found this ride operator reading her text messages, this one on his cell phone and this one with one hand on the controls--the other texting-- instead of keeping their eyes on your kids safety.

"You were texting all day today. Do you think it's safe to text while operating the rides?"

We took three undercover cameras into the Orange County Fair.

The rides are run by RCS, Ray Cammack Shows.

Their employee manual firmly states:

"Electronic devices are never allowed while you are working."

But it seems some employees ignore that!

On the Dizzy Dragons -- the kids may get dizzy.

But we caught the operator with his foot on the control pedal and his hand and eyes on his cell phone, either reading or sending text messages. After he was done he just slipped it back in his pocket.

We watched this operator talk on his cell phone numerous times.
At one point, a child even comes up to enter the attraction. She looks up and has to wait while he finishes his call.

On the Freefall in Kiddie Land, the young children could easily be upset. In need of help. It may even be their first big amusement ride.

But that didn't stop this operator from pulling her cell phone out of her pocket to text -- as the kids were still on the ride. We saw her not just once.

But again -- as the young kids were bouncing up and down behind her -- she had her eyes on her cell phone. While it was still in her hand I went up to find out why.

"I'm David Goldstein with Channel 2 News. You're not supposed to be texting while doing the ride, are you?"

She claimed she wasn't texting -- even though we caught her red handed.

"You were texting. Isn't that unsafe? You were doing it in the middle of the ride."

She walked away and left her pink phone on her seat.

"Your phone's right there, ma'am. The pink one. It's right there."

But she wasn't the worst offender.

On the Crazy Coaster -- where kids get whipped around the track -- this operator spent most of the day with his left hand on the controls -- his cell phone in his right hand.

Looking down at it -- only occasionally glancing up -- instead of keeping his eyes on the children's safety.

"Do you think it's safe? You're operating this ride with children and you're there texting on your phone all day. Do you think it's safe?"

Because of the inherent dangers of texting while operating rides, several states have enacted legislation banning the use of cell phones. California is not one of them. But Cal-Osha which regulates amusement rides says texting is strongly discouraged.

"It's very easy for a kid to come loose."

And it's dangerous according to David Collins -- an amusement ride safety inspector. We showed him our undercover video.

"To see that irresponsible action when you have riders on your piece of equipment. It's unconscionable."


But we found it again and again. One hand on the wheel -- another on a cell phone. Watching a text -- instead of watching out for your children's safety.
 
The Orange County Fair sent CBS 2 this statement:

"RCS maintains a clear-cut policy that states electronic devices, including cell phones, are never allowed while an employee is working. Safety is our # 1 priority and has been for almost 50 years. If the public sees something that looks unsafe, we encourage them to report it immediately to our Guest Services so we can take action."

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