NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CPSC Projects Sharp Rise In In-Line Skating Injuries

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Tipper Gore, wife of Vice President Al Gore, joined Ann Brown, Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today in releasing information projecting sharp increases in injuries associated with in-line skating.

CPSC is projecting that if current trends continue, an estimated 105,000 in-line skating related injuries will require hospital emergency room treatment in 1995, a figure that reflects a 184 percent increase in in-line skating injuries over the past two years. There were an estimated 76,000 injuries in 1994 and 37,000 in 1993.

"In-line skating is a great sport and we don't want to let these statistics keep you from having fun," Chairman Brown said. "Just gear up -- wear protective gear while you skate."

Tipper Gore, an avid in-line skater, noted that the sport is a wonderful form of physical exercise. "Exercise is critical to maintaining good mental and physical health, and in-line skating is a terrific way for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors," she said. "But people should always remember to wear safety gear."

An estimated 65,000 children under the age of 15 will sustain in-line skating injuries. Of those, some 29,000 children will fracture a bone. An estimated 7,000 children will injure their heads or faces.

In addition, at least 25 people have died in in-line skating accidents since 1992, Chairman Brown said, and the number of deaths in 1994 were more than double those in 1993. Among those who died, 15 victims were under age 15.

According to data collected by CPSC, as many as two-thirds of injured in-line skaters were not wearing safety gear. Safety gear for in-line skating includes helmets, elbow and knee pads, wrist guards and gloves.

The rise in injuries and deaths underscores the importance of buying and wearing safety gear including helmets and getting instruction in safe skating techniques before skating, Chairman Brown said. "A full set of safety gear costs under $100," she said. "That's a good investment compared to the average $1,000 these injuries cost in medical treatment."

John Hetterick, chairman of Rollerblade Inc., also joined Chairman Brown and Mrs. Gore to promote the safety message.

Chairman Brown praised the in-line skating industry's promotion of safe skating techniques through its new safety campaigns. "Programs like 'Asphalt Bites' and 'Gear Up' emphasize the importance of taking lessons in braking and stopping and wearing helmets, elbow, wrist and knee pads," she said. "I'm pleased that the industry and government are sending the same message -- get in gear."