2 May, 2009
Roller Blade injuries in Northern Indiana
Watch out niños!
by Benjamin Skeezix
Abstract: In this paper we make a thorough study of the hazards for roller-blading in a typical temperate climate region. Seasonal, social, and infrastructure factors are discussed.
Along with the increased popularity of roller-blading has come an increase in the related injuries. (See Table 1). While Sommers, et. al. [1] have examined factors in the sub-tropical Southern California climate, there has been a marked paucity of studies in temparate regions, where rather different seasonal factors pertain. This is to our knowledge the first such study.
See below for more information about accidents
Table 1:
# of roller-blade # of bicycle-
injuries in U.S. related injuries
----------------- ----------------
1980 0 21,120
1985 1 22,312
1990 1,307 17,121
1995 9,417 17,918
Types of accidents
A review of traffic reports in Goshen, Indiana, suggests the following classification of accidents:
Infrastructure
- Open manhole covers
- Broken sidewalks
- Street grates oriented parallel to roadbed
Social factors
- Peer pressure to jump open manholes
- jeers
- taunts
- humiliating cartoons
- Friends who tie laces together
Climate factors
- Snow covering thin layer of twigs atop open manholes
- Ice
Beyond Google link