In-Line Roller Skating Safety

Safety Commission Warns About Hazards With In-Line Roller Skates

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that in-line roller skating -- a popular new sport -- can be hazardous if skaters do not wear helmets and other protective equipment or do not learn to skate and stop safely. As use of in-line roller skates has increased. It appears that the number of injuries also has increases.

CPSC recommends these safety tips to help prevent injuries with in-line roller skates:

• Wear a helmet, intended for use with skateboards or roller skates, along with knee pads, elbow pads, and gloves.
• Skate on smooth, paved surfaces without any traffic. Avoid skating on streets, driveways, or surfaces with water, sand gravel, or dirt.
• Learn to stop safely using the brake pads at the heel of most in-line roller skates. With one foot somewhat in front of the other, raise the toes of the front foot and push down on the heel brake.
• Do not skate at night because of the difficulty in being seen and your difficulty seeing obstacles or other skaters.