Since the invention of skateboards, there have been safety worries concerning this extremely popular sport. Some claim that skateboards are harmful and should be outlawed, while others contend that they are a safe leisure pastime as long as safety precautions are taken. Are Skateboards really dangerous? In this article, I’ll look at both sides of the debate and outline 10 safety suggestions for beginners to follow for safe skateboarding. Continue reading.
In summary, skateboarding is a potentially dangerous sport, but you can minimize the risks of injury and accidents by wearing the appropriate protective gear while riding. Even at that, accidents do happen, but then, it all adds to the thrills of the sport. Doesn’t it?
The dangers of skateboarding
Skateboarding may be a risky sport, to put it mildly. Due to the inherent instability of skateboards, riders frequently lose their balance and fall off the board. Even seasoned skateboarders are susceptible to major accidents that result in shattered bones, brain trauma, and road rash. Over 100,000 people visit the emergency department each year as a result of skateboarding injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Injury to the head is one of the main dangers of skateboarding. Without a helmet, riders run the risk of hitting their heads on the pavement if they fall off their boards and smack their heads on the ground. Concussions, brain damage, and even death can result from head injuries. Even while wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of suffering a brain injury, not all skateboarders do, and even those who do sometimes don’t wear it correctly or don’t have a suitable kind of helmet.
Skateboarders also run the risk of ramming into other persons or things when they use sidewalks, streets, and skate parks. The skateboarder and any other parties engaged in the incident may sustain serious injuries as a result of this.
Skateboarding may also result in long-term health issues. Future joint issues and persistent pain may result from the frequent impact and strain on bones and joints. Skateboarders who continually land forcefully on their feet and legs may develop injuries like stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints. Younger skateboarders in particular may experience these injuries more because their bodies are still developing.
Arguments for skateboarding
Conversely, a lot of individuals think that skating is a rather safe pastime when appropriate safety measures are taken. They argue that skateboarding may be a fantastic outdoor activity for having fun, exercising, and improving balance and coordination. Additionally, they contend that skateboarding isn’t much riskier than other sports such as horseback riding or skiing.
According to research in the American Journal of Epidemiology, skateboarding had a lower injury risk than basketball, football, and soccer. Skateboarders are also considerably less likely to sustain major injuries when wearing helmets and other safety equipment than when they don’t.
I don’t know about you, but I think skateboarding is a fun sport and I will continue to ride despite the potential for injury. In the end, whether you want to participate in it or not is entirely up to you, in the face of the risks. However, you can lower this risk by skating in specified areas, wearing protective gear, and adhering to local laws and safety requirements.
In addition, when developing skate parks, safety precautions are also taken into account. There are rails, ramps, and other elements that increase skateboarders’ safety, so you have nothing to worry about really!
10 safety Tips for Skateboarding
- Always wear a helmet: This is the most important protective clothing to don. It can shield the head from serious head trauma in the event of a fall or collision.
- Put on additional protective gear such as Wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and the appropriate boots.
- Pick a safe location: Quiet streets with less traffic or designated skate parks are good choices. Avoid skating in places with a lot of foot traffic or on major highways.
- Regularly inspect your skateboard: Before you ride, make sure that your skateboard is in good shape. Ensure that the deck, trucks, and wheels are sturdy and in good condition.
- Obey traffic laws exactly like pedestrians and bicycles. In addition to utilizing hand signals to indicate turns, this also entails halting at stop signs and red lights.
- Skateboard with others: Not only can this be entertaining, but it can also be safer. Skate in a group or with buddies and keep an eye out for one another.
- Work on your technique: When skating, balance and correct form are essential. Attend lessons or practice often to improve your skills and reduce your chance of harm.
- Always be aware of your surroundings: When skating, constantly remain aware of your surroundings. Watch out for traffic, pedestrians, and other hazards.
- Avoid risky actions: Avoid dangerous actions like riding down hills that are too steep or attempting feats that are beyond your capabilities.
- Remain alert: Skateboarding demands concentration and attention. When skating, avoid distractions like using your phone or listening to music.
Always remember that when skating, safety comes first. You can reduce your risk of injury and increase your enjoyment of the activity by paying attention to these recommendations.
In summary, there are risks involved with skateboarding just like there are with other activities, but they can be minimized with the correct precautions. Skateboarding is your choice, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.