Forty-six percent of the injuries are being sustained by skaters wearing no safety gear. Also, inline skaters do not appear to have adequate braking skills and do not skate within their abilities. Although 11 percent of inline skating crashes involve a moving object, that object is usually another skater. Only 1 percent of injuries sustained by inline skaters involve a moving vehicle, so traffic conflicts do not appear to be a major issue. Despite the low incidence of vehicle conflicts, the classification of inline skaters in the traffic mix has been the source of much controversy.
Inline skaters are similar to bicyclists in that they travel at relatively high speeds.
The potential for conflict at intersections is probably greater, just as it is with bicyclists, if they are traveling against traffic. The IISA is adamantly opposed to any law that requires skaters to travel against traffic. Skaters are safer when they are treated like motor vehicles. Practice basic skills, like balance and braking on a smooth, flat surface away from traffic. Avoid hills until you are ready and always skate under control.