All of the so-called 'riding toys,' such as in-line skates, skateboards, scooters, and roller skates, are a frequent cause of serious childhood injury. No child should be allowed to skate on a highway or street, or near traffic. Make sure the child wears a proper-fitting helmet, protective pads on knees and elbows, and wrist guards. Children skating in a parking lot or driveway can't always be seen by motorists backing out of a parking place or into the driveway from the garage or street, so a child should be taught to be aware at all times of these motorists. They should achieve a basic level of skating before going solo. On sidewalks or trails, kids should know to skate on the right-hand side and to pass pedestrians and other skaters on the left, as well as yield to pedestrians and observe all traffic regulations. Teach a child not to show off and to always be careful of other people. A safe alternative is to skate indoors at a facility designed for skating.
