Safety Helmets Can Mean the Difference Between Life, Death

Just recently the death of a 19-year-old Dana Point resident caught my attention. The cause of death was a “freak” skateboarding accident. It wasn’t such a “freak” accident because it happened again. This time to a 19-year-old Westminster man. These fatalities prove that while skateboarding is fun, it also can be a dangerous sport.

The use of safety equipment reduces the chance of injury. Many riders don’t realize the importance of taking precautions. The use of equipment such as helmets, elbow pads and knee pads is “uncool” and considered “wimpy.” Skaters think that if they don’t do hard tricks or if they wear equipment, their friends will laugh at them.

All professional skateboarders wear equipment. In competition, safety equipment is required and is not considered “uncool.” Why can’t all skateboarders, not just professionals, realize that wearing safety equipment is better than injury?

MICHELE MAZZACAVALLO, Laguna Niguel