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"With many on school vacations and adults perhaps taking it a little easier, more people are out bicycling, skateboarding or in-line skating either for exercise or recreation. If safety is not kept in mind, these activities can lead to injury," says Naples Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Often the most serious and the most common injury people sustain while on bikes, in-line skates, or while skateboarding, is a head injury. In these types of crashes, head injuries are the leading cause of death and disability, according to Johns Hopkins University.

In 2013, (latest available statistics) the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reported that there were 743 cyclists killed, and an estimated 48,000 injured when in crashes with motor vehicles. SafeKids.org says that more than 80,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for skateboard-related injuries every year. These injuries may range from mild to life-threatening. Skateboarders have died from head injuries sustained when involved in motor vehicle accidents.

In-line skating has also been dangerous. More than 67,000 children ages 5 to 14 have been treated in hospital emergency rooms since 1992, says Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

All three wheeled sports require wearing proper protective gear, choosing a safe environment, and mastering the basics of the sport in order to prevent injury. NewsNetwork and KidsHealth recommend the following:

• Helmet: Wearing a helmet whenever riding a bicycle, in-line skating or skateboarding should be an automatic habit for anyone, regardless of their age. It is important that the helmet be fitted to each person. If purchasing a helmet for a child, be sure to take the child along. If a child participates in more than one wheeled sport (bike, in-line skates, skateboards, scooters or other) be sure to choose a multi-sport helmet. 

• Knee and Elbow Pads: Knee and elbow pads are recommended for riders and skaters of all levels. These should have a hard plastic shield and should not hinder movements. Make sure any pads you wear are snug without constricting your circulation. 

• Wrist Guards: One of the most common injuries that occurs with skaters is a wrist injury. Wrist guards should fit snugly over the hands to absorb the shock of a fall. Wrist guards are available in a couple of different styles, including those that use a hard plastic on the top and bottom, or a soft pad with plastic inserts at the palm of each hand. Either type is a suitable choice. 

• Shoes: Wear closed, slip resistant shoes when bicycling or skateboarding. 

Choosing the safest environment is important, and it varies depending upon the sport. The New Jersey Consumer Affairs Department recommends the safest environments for:

Bike Riding: Always ride your bike on the right side of the street, in the same direction as traffic. Never ride against traffic. Use bike lanes or designated bike routes whenever possible. Remember that in some areas it is illegal to ride on the sidewalk. Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic lights just as cars do. Take special care at intersections. Walk your bike across busy intersections using the crosswalk and following traffic signals.

Never change direction or change lanes without first looking behind you and using the correct hand signals. Use your left arm for all hand signals. To indicate a left turn, hold your arm straight out to the left. For a right turn, bend your elbow, holding your arm up in an “L” shape. Before you stop, bend your elbow to point your arm downward in an upside-down “L” shape.

Skateboarding: To improve skateboarding safety, a growing number of communities, including Naples, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, and North Port, provide supervised skateboard parks. In addition to choosing locations away from traffic, follow the recommendations below to help ensure a safe environment for skateboarding. 

• Avoid skateboarding on irregular surfaces. Always check out the area before you skateboard, inspecting surfaces for cracks, rocks, and other debris.
• Do not use homemade skateboard ramps.
• Never use your skateboard in wet weather.
• Avoid skateboarding in crowded walkways or in darkness.
• Never hold onto the side or rear of a moving vehicle while riding a skateboard ("skitching"). You could fall or be thrown into oncoming traffic if the vehicle suddenly slows, stops, or turns. (Source: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons) 

In-Line Skating: Novices should avoid roadways with traffic, uneven surfaces, hills (even small ones) and obstacles. They should avoid roadways shared by cyclists and pedestrians until they are capable of steering away from them successfully. (Source: Center for Disease Control) 

The Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky recommends mastering the basics first: Learn turning and slowing techniques and how to stop properly before attempting more difficult maneuvers. Learn to fall on the fleshy parts of your body rather than your arms. If you know you are going to fall, crouch down so you will not have as far to fall. 

The State of Florida has a law (Sec. 316.2065, 318.18) that gives skaters the same right to the roads as motor vehicles. However, there are certain restrictions. These restrictions include skaters' using the right-hand side of the right lane, rather than skating against traffic. 

Attorney Spivey says, "Bicyclists and skaters are vulnerable on our roads. Drivers need to recognize this fact. They must be sure to always be watchful for bicyclists and skaters. One wrong move may cause serious consequences. Wheeled sports can be a great way to exercise and have fun; however, the rules must be followed and safety equipment worn. Protect yourself and enjoy your sporting activities."

Naples Personal Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just 1 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.