Protect your head. Always wear a helmet-Its now the law!

Wear elbow and knee pads

Wear wrist guards

Wear gloves

Always ride during daylight hours

Wear bright-colored clothes that make you more visible

Stay alert! Watch for potholes, dogs, water, rocks and people.

Look both ways before crossing alleyways and driveways.

Children younger than 5 years of age should not use skateboards. Their center of gravity is higher, their neuromuscular system is not well developed, their judgment is poor, and they are not sufficiently able to protect themselves from injury. More developmentally appropriate activities need to be encouraged.

Skateboards must never be ridden near traffic. Their use should be prohibited on streets and highways. Activities that bring skateboards and motor vehicles together ("catching a ride") are especially dangerous.

Skateboarders need to be encouraged to wear helmets and protective padding for their elbows and knees to reduce or prevent injury. The experience of children wearing multi-purpose helmets needs evaluation.

Communities should be encouraged to develop safe skateboarding areas away from pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic.