In-line skating can be hazardous if you do not wear proper safety gear or do not learn to skate and stop safely. In fact, people visit the hospital emergency room each year because of injuries associated with in-line skates. Wrist injuries are common, as well as injuries to the leg, knee, ankle, or elbow. Injuries to the head and face are also fairly common.

According to the InLine Club of Boston, the most common in-line skating injuries result from:

• Falling after hitting a rock, stick, pothole, bump in pavement, or other object
• Losing balance
• Colliding with another skater, cyclist, or pedestrian
• Losing control while skating downhill
• Slipping on sand, oil, or wet pavement
• Not stopping soon enough before entering an intersection

The following tips help reduce skating injuries:

Proper safety gear for skating includes:

• A helmet that fits well and is worn properly
• Elbow pads
• Knee pads
• Wrist guards
• Gloves

• Your skates should be of high quality and should fit well, providing good ankle support.
• Check your skates on a regular basis to make sure they are in good condition.
• Replace any wheels, bearings, or brakes that are starting to get worn.
• Check your wheels and remove any grass or rocks that are stuck in the bearings.

Get instruction from an experienced skater. You should have basic skating skills (turning, controlling speed, falling safely, and stopping) before you attempt to skate in a public place.

The following tips can help you stop safely:

• Use the brake pads (at the heel of most in-line skates).
• With one foot somewhat in front of the other, raise the toes of the front foot and push down on the heel brake.

• Be cautious when skating in areas where there are cars, bicycles, pedestrians, and other skaters. Avoid sudden stops and turns.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Look over your shoulder quickly every 10 or 15 seconds.
• Always yield to pedestrians.
• Be alert for children, who are unpredictable and may run across your path when you least expect it.
• Be cautious around dogs, especially if they are on leashes. If a leashed dog runs in front of you, you may skate into the leash and fall.

• Skate on smooth, paved surfaces without any traffic. Remember that it can be dangerous to skate in the street.
• Do not skate through water, sand, mud, gravel, dirt, or oil. The wheels of in-line skates have little traction.
• Beware of cracks in the pavement that run parallel to your skating path. Your skates can get locked into cracks, causing you to lose balance.
• When you approach a driveway or parking lot, always expect a car to come speeding out.
• Before crossing an intersection, always look around for any car that could turn in front of you.
• When approaching a car parked on the side of the road, be prepared for someone to open a door.
• Obey traffic regulations.

At night, others cannot see you and you cannot see obstacles or other skaters. If you must skate in the dark, wear reflective clothing, put flashing bicycle lights on your helmet, and carry a flashlight.

Do not hitch a ride to any moving vehicle when you are on in-line skates. You may not be able to slow down fast enough to avoid colliding with the vehicle that is towing you. You could also be thrown into oncoming traffic. For the same reason, do not let your dog tow you while you are on skates.

While skating, avoid using headphones or anything else that could prevent you from hearing vehicles, cyclists, and other skaters.

• Pass pedestrians, cyclists, and others skaters on the left, and only when it is safe to do so.
• Let others know when you are going to pass them. Say “Passing on your left,” in a pleasant tone of voice that is loud enough for them to hear.
• If skating with another person or group, skate in single file.
• Stay to the far side of sidewalks, trails, and bike paths.