The Facts & Figures

According to the International Inline Skating Association, the number of inline skaters has increased by 300 percent since 1992. There were an estimated 28.9 million skaters in 1996. Inline skating has become more than just a recreational activity. While most of the skaters surveyed in 1996 reported that the activity was a means of exercise, 35 percent also reported that they used skating as a mode of transportation. 22 percent of all inline skating crashes occur on streets. About one out of every 50 inline skaters is injured enough to warrant a hospital visit each year. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that 102,911 injuries resulted from inline skating related accidents in 1996. Wrist & lower arm injuries are the most common, followed by face & chin injuries, with fractures (mainly wrist injuries) representing 40.8 percent of the total injuries. Staff researcher Christopher Johnson commented, "I have witnessed the problem myself - a friend trying out inline skates for the first time crashed & broke her jaw, an injury that necessitated plastic surgery, orthodontic work, braces & several years of medical treatment." Importantly, however, the problem is not limited to novice skaters. In 1995, for example, 37 percent of inline skating injuries involved intermediate level skaters. Common factors relating to falls include hazardous road conditions, poor visibility & fatigue. Forty six percent of the injuries are being sustained by skaters wearing no safety gear. Also, inline skaters do not appear to have adequate braking skills & do not skate within their abilities. Skating out of control was cited as a contributing factor in 67 percent of the crashes, while striking a stationary object was cited in 40 percent of the crashes (implying that the skater was unable to stop in time). Although 11 percent of inline skating crashes involve a moving object, that object is usually another skater. Only 1 percent of injuries sustained by inline skaters involves a moving vehicle, so traffic conflicts do not appear to be a major issue. Despite the low incidence of vehicle conflicts, the classification of inline skaters in the traffic mix has been the source of much controversy. Inline skaters are similar to bicyclists in that they travel at relatively high speeds. The potential for conflict at road junctions is probably greater, just as it is with bicyclists, if they are travelling against traffic. According to the IISA a law requiring travel against traffic would solve only a small percentage of accidents while exposing bicyclists & skaters to more frequent serious risks. The IISA is adamantly opposed to any law that requires skaters to travel against traffic. Skaters are safer when they are treated like motor vehicles." Subsequently, in many states inline skaters are categorised as "toy vehicles" & are not technically permitted on streets at all.

Here are some tips that might help you or someone you know avoid an inline skating injury: Always wear full protective gear, helmet wrist guards, knee & elbow pads. Practice basic skills, like balance & braking on a smooth, flat surface away from traffic. Avoid hills until you are ready & always skate under control. Remember that you will gain speed quickly, even on a small hill or gradual decline. Take a lesson or review an instructional PC CD-Rom before you take to the streets or trails.