In-line Skaters Not Wearing Protective Gear

Few in-line skaters wear protective gear even though the equipment is relatively inexpensive and can reduce the number and severity of injuries. A study by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation and the University of North Carolina's Highway Safety Research Center found almost two-thirds of in-line skaters used no protective equipment when skating.

During July and August of 1999, 877 in-line skaters were observed in 15 British Columbia municipalities. The overwhelming majority wore no protective equipment whatsoever. Only 25 per cent wore wrist guards, 13 per cent wore helmets, 14 per cent wore elbow pads and 10 per cent wore knee pads. Overall, 36 per cent of skaters wore at least one piece of protective gear, while less than three per cent wore all four types.

The greatest proportion of in-line skaters was observed on recreational pathways (45 per cent); 32 per cent were observed in communities; 14 per cent were observed in neighborhoods; and 10 per cent were observed along main intra-city roadways.

The use of protective equipment varied according to skater location. Protective equipment was most frequently used by skaters on recreational pathways (42 per cent wore at least one piece of equipment). Skaters observed in neighborhoods were least likely to wear protective equipment (26 per cent wore at least one piece of equipment).

In 1998, data from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program showed that 962 in-line skaters were treated for injuries at emergency departments in the 15 reporting hospitals across Canada. The most frequent injuries were to the forearm (24 per cent) and wrist (20 per cent). The elbow was the site of 9.5 per cent of injuries and the knee 3.5 per cent. Head injuries accounted for 5.6 per cent of the total.

This study underscores the need to find ways to increase the use of protective gear by in-line skaters.

To obtain "Use of Protective Equipment by In-Line Skaters: An Observational Study" contact the Traffic Injury Research Foundation.

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