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Skateboarding Safety: Preventing Texas Pedestrian Accidents & Injuries

This week we covered the tragic story of 14-year-old Mark Harding Jr., who died in a Texas skateboarding accident while skateboarding with a friend in College Station. The boys were crossing a service road late at night when Harding was struck by an oncoming DPS cruiser. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and died from the severe head trauma soon after the collision.

What can we learn from this tragic accident? While many parents and teens are familiar with Texas pedestrian safety and bicycle safety, fewer people are familiar with how to safely skateboard in Texas and what Texas skateboard laws are.

Let's start with some simple safety tips:

  • Wear protective gear. Whether you are at a skate park or just rolling down your driveway, you absolutely need to wear a well-fitting helmet to protect against brain injuries. In addition, wearing slip-resistant shoes, wrist guards, and kneepads can also help reduce the risk of injury.

  • Stay visible at night. This tip goes for any night traveling; wear light colors, clothing and gear which reflects, and avoid dimly lit streets.

  • Know how to fall correctly. Not knowing how to fall can lead to broken wrists and other serious injuries. If you feel that you have lost control of your skateboard, squat and fall sideways with your arms tucked in. You will have a shorter distance to fall and avoid a more serious collision.

  • Younger kids should have parental supervision. Skateboarding isn't recommended for children under five; children under ten shouldn't skateboard without parental supervision.

  • Don't ride in the street. Check your local city laws regarding skateboarding on sidewalks. Also check to see if your area has a skateboarding park where you can safely practice tricks and meet others interested in the sport.

  • Try new tricks slowly and in a controlled environment. Skateboard tricks can be fun and rewarding, but be sure to only try the tricks you are ready for - and always wear protective gear while attempting them. Never attempt "daredevil" tricks that could end in serious injury.

Has your child been injured in a Texas pedestrian accident while riding a skateboard? Speak with a Houston pedestrian injury attorney today to find out if your family should seek compensation for his or her injuries.