By JILL GUEST
The Utah Safety Council wants in-line skaters to know the ropes before they take to the streets.
In-line skating has introduced a fun way to exercise and get into shape; however, safety is essential because of the amount of injuries sustained each year from in-line skating, according to the Utah Safety Council.
'There has been a great increase in rollerblading in the past few years. There has been a doubling and tripling of those who choose this sport. However, with the increase of people skating, there is an increase in those that become injured while participating,' said Wendy Bertola, marketing coordinator for USC.
Each year over 75,000 people visit emergency rooms because of in-line skating injuries, ranging from broken wrists, sprains, torn ligaments and other serious head injuries, according to the USC.
USC recommends four rules of the road to protect you and your loved ones from becoming injured and to ensure a safe outing.
The first rule of blading is to skate smart and always use the proper equipment. In-line skaters should include a helmet, wrist guards and knee and elbow pads in their skating gear. A person needs to learn basic skills and techniques before hitting the roads.
'I started skating about two years ago. I always wear wrist guards because the most common injuries are with your hands and wrists. The pads tend to be very expensive, and I think that may hold people back from buying and using them,' said Darcy Dance, a senior from Seattle majoring in elementary education.
Expense may be an excuse that holds people back from buying safety gear, but there is no excuse that will take away an injury and even a life-threatening fall, Bertola said.
'If prices are a concern associated with safety wear, make your first priority a helmet. Some helmets can be used for biking and blading and we advise to wear one at all times while participating,' Bertola said.
About 75 percent of people who buy skates will buy protective gear and many people may already have it, said Michael Lindsay, manager of Play It Again Sports.
The second skating rule is to always stay alert and be mindful of speed and road hazards. It is helpful and important to stay within the level of your skill and not outdo your ability.
'When in doubt, take a lesson,' Lindsay said. 'Generally, we give a free lesson to our customers to teach them how to stop and just the basics of skating.'
Skating legally and obeying traffic regulation is the third road rule guiding skaters to a safer experience.
'People need to take precautions and be aware of the road. Skaters should follow the rules of the road because they are like another vehicle. They need to stop at stop signs and yield for pedestrians or when needed,' Bertola said.
The final blading rule is to be a courteous skater; remember to skate on the right, pass on the left and always yield to pedestrians or those with the right-of-way.
When a person obeys the rules of the road, their skating experiences can offer a fun alternative to exercise and getting in shape.
'Rollerblading is fun and great exercise. I blade on the trail up to Bridal Veil because it offers a gradual incline and works the muscles in my legs,' Dance said. 'I am seeing more people who are young and old skating on the trail and a lot of mothers rollerblading with strollers. Almost every third person you come across on the trail is in-line skating. More people are definitely getting into the sport.'