The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports the following on skateboard injuries (1991):

• 95% involved skateboarders younger than 25 years; 61% involved 5- to 14-year-olds;

• 87% of victims were male;

• 74% of injuries involved the extremities--usually fractures of radius and ulna, 21% to the head and neck, and 5% to the trunk;

• Severe injuries (intracranial, internal) were uncommon, moderate injuries (long bone fractures) were most common, and deaths occurred almost always from collisions with motor vehicles;

• Younger victims incurred a higher proportion of head and neck injuries than older victims--head injury occurred in 75% of the victims in the 0- to 4-year-old age group, 50% in the 5- to 9-year-old group, and 15% in the 10- to 19-year-old category;

• Head injuries in the older age groups were more severe because of collisions with motor vehicles; and

• Helmets designed for skateboarding are seldom worn but will protect skateboarders from serious head injury; data on the protective value of elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards are inconclusive; they may reduce injury severity. The use of bicycle or hockey helmets has not been evaluated.

Injury patterns at various ages can be explained by age-related developmental abilities. Often young children use skateboards near their homes. Young children have a high center of gravity and limited ability to break a fall. Younger children tend to sustain lacerated injuries to their head. Older children are more likely to use their skateboards at greater speeds and take more chances, increasing their risk of serious head injury that often require medical attention. Following Safety Rules and using proper Safety Equipment will significantly reduce the risk of injury.

For more information please call (213) 351-7888