Whether you skate for sport or fun, it’s great exercise. Inline skating burns as many calories per minute as running, and puts less strain on your joints. But if done recklessly, skating could mean serious harm. Before you hit the pavement for your next workout, check out these skating safety tips from the National Safety Council (NSC):
- Always wear protective gear, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist guards.
- Master the basics of skating – striding, stopping, and turning – before going out on your own. If you’re just learning, consider taking a lesson.
- Skate on the right side, pass on the left. Before you pass someone, make sure you have enough room and alert the person by calling “passing on the left.”
- Stay aware of your surroundings, including other skaters, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Obey all traffic regulations and always yield to pedestrians.
- Skate on smooth, paved surfaces without any traffic. Avoid skating on roads or surfaces with water, sand, gravel, dirt, or oil. Do not skate at night.
- Check skates regularly to make sure they’re in good condition and that the wheels are securely fastened.
Safety gear may not be the height of fashion, but if you’re ever thinking about leaving it at home, remember the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that up to 1/3 of all skating injuries can be eliminated just by wearing wrist guards.
For more information on skating safety, check out the National Safety Council.
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