Objective and setting To understand risk-taking behavior and safety practices associated with urban in-line skating, 2,210 outdoor skaters were observed in Boston, Massachusetts. Methods Estimated age, sex, and use of helmets, wrist guards, and elbow and knee pads were recorded. Skaters were coded as beginner, average, or advanced, and skating locations were classified as street, sidewalk, or bicycle path. Results About 60% of skaters wore wrist guards, but only 5.7% wore helmets. Male skaters wore less protective equipment than female skaters and were more likely to skate on streets. Beginner and advanced skaters wore more protective gear than average skaters. Surprisingly, street skaters wore less protective gear than skaters on sidewalks or paths. Conclusions Renewed focus on the importance of wearing helmets is needed. Given the higher injury risks for male skaters, clinicians and public health experts need to target male skaters in prevention efforts. In addition, average and advanced skaters need to be convinced that although they have improved their skills, it is still important to wear protective gear.
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