Commission Denies Request To Ban Skateboards

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 25) -- Citing a decrease in injuries and a rise in consumer use of skateboard safety equipment and parks, the Consumer Product Safety Commission on June 21 voted to deny a petition to ban the manufacture and sale of skateboards. The petition had been submitted by the consumer affairs committee of the Americans for Democratic Action.

A recent study prepared by CPSC staff indicated that an estimated 140,000 skateboard-related injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms in 1977. In 1978 the injuries dropped 38 percent to an estimated 87,000. This decrease in injuries may be due, in part, to decreased popularity of the activity.

The increased use of skateboard parks and preventive actions by various skateboard safety groups were other factors which influenced the Commission's decision. The parks often require users to wear protective gear such as helmets, knee pads and elbow pads and require other precautions such as equipment checks before use. Many feature safety patrols trained in first aid.

There are approximately 20 million skateboards currently in consumers' possession. Statistics show that injuries are more "use-related" than caused by a defect in the product. In rejecting the petition for a ban, the Commissioners noted the possibility that a ban would encourage backyard production of potentially more hazardous skateboards from component parts.

As an alternative to the ban, CPSC will continue its liaison with national, state and local officials and community organizations to promote safer use of skateboards. CPSC currently is developing an educational program for schools, including a slide/tape presentation that is planned for distribution in the fall of this year. The agency also has published a Fact Sheet (No. 93) entitled "Skateboards" and a pamphlet entitled "Wheels" which provide tips on skateboard safety.

In addition, CPSC will monitor industry efforts to develop a voluntary safety standard for skateboards. Free copies of the skateboard safety publications may be obtained by writing to: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207.