What Are the Dangers of Rollerblading?

In-line skating allows racers to move at top speeds while burning off as many calories as runners and bicyclists. The downside to this popular sport is that more than 32,000 skaters get hurt every year, according to the National Safety Council. Forearm fractures represent the most common injury among in-line enthusiasts. Safety precautions must be front and center when pondering what are the dangers of rollerblading.

Equipment

• Many skaters ignore basic safety rules by going for a spin without wearing any protective gear. In other instances, skaters strap on their gear but wear inappropriately sized equipment. Safety helmets significantly reduce the chances of brain injuries. Padding safeguards the wrists, knees and elbows when you tumble and hit the ground. Some quick tips on buying skates include squeezing the plastic boot to ensure the material is rigid enough to give reliable support. Wear socks when purchasing your skates to achieve a better fit.

Mishaps

• Learn the proper techniques of falling so you can avert a serious injury. For example, try to crouch your body as you topple to the ground to cushion yourself, according to the Children's Specialists of San Diego website. Another method requires you to land on your shoulders and your hips before rolling so you spread your weight more evenly as you go down. Practice these stunts in a grassy area or a gym mat before testing your skills on pavement.

Traffic

• Vehicles, skaters, joggers and other pedestrians run interference with each other on public pathways. Pay attention as you scoot along sidewalks because other people frequently step in front of you without warning. Leave your headphones at home so you hear voices and horns. Dress in bright colors to enhance your visibility. Pass other pedestrians on their left sides and announce yourself by saying, "Passing on the left." Keep away from street skating, and obey traffic laws when you cross roadways to reach the other side of a sidewalk.

Pets

• Dogs make great companions when you go in-line skating, but be prepared to deal with some extra distractions, according to the Pet Travel Center website. Pets typically dart off when they encounter critters or other dogs, so be ready to be tugged in that same direction without much warning. Leash your dog, and train him to stop on command to ensure you are not pulled to the ground when he breaks into a dash.

Conditions

• In-line skaters encounter all sorts of hazards such as chipped pavement or potholes. A trail might seem inviting at first but later hold unsafe conditions such as puddles or dangerous hills. Reduce your speed when you encounter a change in circumstances like debris or oily or wet surfaces. Check your wheels and brakes because debris sometimes gets jammed into them as you skate.