Skateboarding

The skinny on skateboarding safety

By RICHARD A. ROSS

According to the Consumer Product Safety Review of 2003, “Skateboarding is a comparatively safe sport.” Participant-based injury rates are lower than football, basketball, bicycling and snowboarding. The report goes on to note that:

• Most serious skateboard injuries involve a collision with a vehicle. (A good reason for skate parks.)

• Six out of ten injuries are to children under 15 years of age.

• Injuries to first-time skateboarders are mostly due to falls. Experienced skateboarders suffer injuries when their skateboards strike rocks and other irregularities in the riding surface or when they attempt difficult stunts.

• Protective gear should include helmets, slip-resistant, closed shoes and designed padding.

• Skateboarders should never ride in the street.

• Skateboarders should not take chances: complicated tricks require careful practice in a specially designed area.

• Only one person should be on a skateboard.

• One should never hitch a ride from a car, bus, truck, bicycle, etc.

• Learning how to fall in case of an accident may help reduce your chances of being seriously injured.

• If you are losing your balance, crouch down on the skateboard so that you will not have far to fall.

• If you fall, try to land on the fleshy parts of your body.

• If you fall, try to roll rather than absorb the force with your arms.

Be safe, be smart and have fun!