Fairs and carnivals start popping up as the weather warms and thoughts turn to outdoor fun. Unfortunately it’s also the time of year when amusement ride injuries start showing up in emergency rooms.

According to a new study, nearly 4,500 American children are injured on rides every year. More than 70 percent of those injuries occur from May to September—high season for fairs and carnivals. Though serious injuries are rare, injuries that require hospitalization happen about once every three days.

Kids are hurt most often as a result of a fall—nearly one-third of all injuries. Next are injuries from hitting a part of their body on a ride, or being hit by something while riding, at 18 percent. Not surprisingly, kids’ heads and necks are the most susceptible to injury, accounting for 28 percent of all injuries. The arms are a close second at 24 percent. And the face and legs rank next at 18 percent and 17 percent, respectively.

To help you and your family stay safe this season, here are some tips:

1.      Always follow posted restrictions for height, weight, age, and health restrictions

2.      Always use safety equipment like seat belts and safety bars

3.      Keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times

4.      Follow all loading or seating-order instructions

Finally, trust yourself. If you don’t think your child can handle a ride or follow the instructions, keep them off. And if you are worried about the safety of any ride, go ahead and avoid it—treat your kids to a snow cone or an extra chance at the ring toss instead.