Because the wheels are narrow, roller blades can reach much higher speeds than roller skates. The braking mechanism is also different. The brake pad on roller blades is on the heel of either one or both of the skates, while the brake pad on roller skates is on the toe. The number of skating-related injuries has risen with the popularity of roller blades in recent years. The most frequent injuries are bruises and broken arms and legs from falls.
Injury prevention is a very important aspect of all sports.
You can prevent many roller blading injuries by following a few simple rules. Use the appropriate gear designed for skaters, including wrist guards, elbow and knee pads, and a helmet, to prevent bruises, broken bones, and head injuries. Learn how to brake on a flat driveway or empty parking lot. If you are a beginning skater, make sure you are comfortable starting and stopping on flat surfaces before attempting to go up or down hills. Also, try to skate on surfaces that are relatively free of small debris.