She was athletic and tough as nails. When the teenage boy next door jokingly challenged her to a rollerblade race, the competitor in her quickly accepted the dare. Mona, Super Mother and Editor of the Local Newspaper, laced on a pair of borrowed skates, took a quick practice run, and rolled to the starting line.
Ten yards into the contest, she hit a rough piece of pavement, and she skidded to a stop on bare hands and knees, breaking her wrist in the process. Her accident didn't make the front page of her paper, and Mona felt lucky it didn't make the obituary page, either.
More than 15 million people participate in rollerblading, or inline skating. And that includes many adults. About 25,000 skaters are treated in hospital emergency rooms every year.
Dress For Failure
Fractures to the wrist and lower arm account for nearly half of all injuries to skaters. Lacerations, abrasions, head injuries, and concussions are also a danger. The proper equipment can cut down on the danger when the inevitable spill occurs. Equipment includes:
- a helmet with a hard plastic shell and padding underneath. It should have a chin strap, and it should not block your vision or hearing. Be sure to purchase helmets that meet the recommended safety standards set by ANSI or Snell. An approved bicycle helmet will do.
- elbow and knee pads designed for skating. They should have a hard shell cover and fit snugly so they don't slide out of place.
- wrist guards. They should have a hard plastic splint on the top and bottom. Wrist guards and elbow pads help reduce the risk to these areas of the body by more than 80 percent.
- a good pair of gloves.
- Purchase the proper skates (or boot), based on your skating experience and exercise goals. For best results, an inline skate boot should fit snugly but allow for a little extra toe room in the front. Go to a store with knowledgeable sales people.
- Wear a thin liner of silk or polypropylene under a medium-weight athletic sock. Thick, all-cotton socks do not keep the feet dry and contribute to blisters and other foot problems.
Don't Skate Around The Basics
- Before you start take a lesson, including how to fall safely, from a qualified instructor. Contact a local retailer, or search for safety tips on the Internet. The National Safety Council Fact Sheet Library is one source.
- Achieve a basic skating level before taking to the road.
- Observe all traffic regulations.
- Skate on smooth, paved surfaces away from heavy traffic and crowds of people.
- Do not skate on surfaces that have water, dirt, sand, or gravel on them. You'll lose traction and control of your skates.
- Avoid intersections at the bottom of hills.
- Do not skate at night. It is difficult to see obstacles in your path, or to be seen by others.
- Skate on the right side of paths, trails, and sidewalks.
- Warn pedestrians when you are approaching from the rear.
- Inspect your boots each time you skate.
- Rotate the wheels when they begin to wear unevenly.
- Skate defensively, especially on streets. Skaters are more invisible and vulnerable than bicyclists.
- Check out a new route by bicycle or car before skating it.
Skateboard Warnings
Over 100,000 skateboarders require emergency room treatment each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Skateboarders with less than a week of experience have the most injuries, usually due to falls.
- Learn how to fall safely.
- Do not ride a skateboard in the street. And never hitch a ride on the bumper of a moving vehicle.
- Check out the area for holes, bumps, rocks, and debris before you ride. Seek out parks and areas designated for skateboards.
- Never skate in the rain.
- Always skate with friends. If you are injured, you will need help.
- Wear closed, slip-resistant shoes, a helmet, wrist braces, gloves, and special padding for knees, elbows and hips.
- Before using a board, check it for hazards. Serious defects should be repaired by a professional.
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