SKATEBOARDS/ROLLERSKATES
If your holiday gifts include a skateboard or in-line roller skates, it's important to use them safely. In 1996, 36,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms after skateboard injuries. In that same year, nearly 103,000 people were treated for injuries resulting from in-line skating accidents. Many of those injuries could have been prevented if people had followed these safety tips:
- Always wear your helmet, wrist, elbow and knee pads.
- Make sure you are wearing your safety gear properly, especially your helmet. It should be worn flat on your head, with the bottom edge parallel to the ground. The side straps should form a "v" around each ear. The buckle should be fastened tightly, yet comfortably. The helmet should fit the head snuggly and should not move around in any direction when the head is shaken.