Skateboarding injuries send about 26,000 people to hospital emergency rooms each year. About 1,500 children and adolescents are hospitalized as a result of skateboard injuries. Most hospitalizations involve head injuries, but skateboard accidents run the gamut from bruises and abrasions to sprains, fractures and dislocations to concussions and even death.
Skateboarders can greatly reduce their risk of serious injury by following some simple safety tips.
Skateboard Safety Tips
- Wear protective gear at all times, including a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, elbow pads and appropriate shoes.
- Empty your pockets of all hard or sharp objects.
- Master the basics first. Learn turning and slowing techniques and how to stop properly before attempting more difficult maneuvers.
- Learn to fall on the fleshy parts of your body rather than your arms. If you know you're going to fall, crouch down so you won't have as far to fall.
- Try to relax and roll if you fall.
- Practice tricks and jumps in a controlled environment such as a skateboard park where you have access to emergency medical care.
- Skateboard on smooth pavement away from traffic.
- Screen the area where you will be riding for holes, bumps, rocks, glass or other debris.
- Never hold onto a moving vehicle while riding a skateboard.
- Do not ride on the street.
- Do not attempt to ride more than one person on a skateboard.
- Do not use headphones while skateboarding.
- Keep your skateboard in good condition and give it a safety check each time before you ride.
- Do not skate in crowds of non-skaters.
- If you skate on the sidewalk, be considerate of others.
- Know what to do in emergency situations. Call 9-1-1 for medical assistance. Don't panic.