Often, it takes a serious or fatal accident for a state to revisit its amusement ride inspection program. In Massachusetts, a 2005 Sizzler accident prompted stronger regulations. Two serious accidents last summer put ride inspection legislation into motion in Minnesota.

And in Wisconsin, Elizabeth Mohl's death in July after falling from the Giant Swing ride may drive similar change.

After the accident, Commerce Secretary Mary Burke ordered a review of the state's ride inspection program, which she said has already begun.

"We're looking at our codes and our staffing and our processes and procedures," Burke said in an interview. "We are working hard to fast track it and make sure whatever we find that we can get it in place as quickly as possible by the start of the new season."

Burke said officials have turned to an amusement ride watchdog group to identify states considered to have stronger programs than Wisconsin. Those states include Massachusetts, New Jersey, Iowa and Michigan.

"I find with forming public policy, you can avoid a lot of mistakes by learning about what others have experience with," Burke said.

Federal jurisdiction over amusement rides is limited, and each state's program has different policies and emphasis. But there are a few key things that experts say Wisconsin could do to strengthen its regulations.

The gold standard, experts say, are states that require traveling carnival rides to be inspected each time a ride is relocated, including Florida, North Carolina and Massachusetts.

"I wouldn't dream of doing portable rides any other way than every time they set up," said Jonathan Brooks, chief of the Elevator Division at the North Carolina Department of Labor. "It's sort of like taking the tires off your car after every time you drive it."

Other options for Wisconsin include requiring that rides be inspected before operating each season or applying a 100 percent rule in which a ride can't operate with even the slightest code violation.

Wisconsin officials estimate they inspect more than 60 percent of high-risk rides, though records show it could take a year or two before officials check to make sure violations have been addressed.

Wisconsin could also consider a third-party inspection system like Minnesota. A new law there will require annual ride inspections by a certified inspector who is either an employee of an insurance company that insures the ride or an independent inspection service.

A third-party system can be problematic because it allows the operator to choose an inspector who may not be very tough on him or her, experts say.

Under such a program, states need to "make sure the fox isn't guarding the chicken coop," said Mark Mooney, executive director of the Council for Amusement and Recreational Equipment Safety, a group for government ride officials.

Burke said the state review includes looking at the frequency of inspections in Wisconsin but also whether officials could share inspection records with other states.

She said it won't necessarily mean increasing the state inspection program budget — $208,000 last year — or the number of the state's inspectors — five.

"We're taking a fresh look at this. We want to make sure we have an effective program," she said. "Spending more money doesn't necessarily make things better or stronger."

But she said the program is supposed to raise enough money through inspection and registration fees to pay for itself. It hasn't done that in recent years, and Burke said fees may have to be increased. The owner generally pays a $50 registration fee for each ride and an inspection fee of $225.

A program with more rigorous safeguards is worth a higher price tag, said Mark Mooney, president of the Council for Amusement and Recreational Equipment Safety, a national organization for government officials involved with amusement ride enforcement.

"When you look at what you're going to save or do for public safety, it's a very low cost compared to the millions who ride these devices on a yearly basis," Mooney said.

Wisconsin's ride regulations

•All amusement rides must be registered with the state before being opened to the public.
•Each ride is subject to an annual inspection, although the Department of Commerce says this does not always occur.
•The ride operator must inspect rides and test their operation daily.
•Accidents that require more than first aid must be reported within two business days of the injury.
•Fatalities must be reported within 24 hours.
•Ride operators must be 18 years of age.

Mark Pitsch can be reached at mpitsch@madison.com or 608-252-6145. Deborah Ziff can be reached at dziff@madison.com or 608-252-6120.