World Report: March 15, 2002 Vol.7 No.20
- This Issue:
- Table of Contents
- Cover Story
- Cover Story - Spanish Version
- Mini-Lesson
- Comprehension Quiz
- Teacher's Guide and Worksheets
Skateboard and Scooter Alert!
The latest safety accessory for skateboarders and scooter riders is not really gear at all. It's a grown-up!
Last week, a U.S. pediatricians' group recommended that kids younger than 8 not ride scooters unless an adult is with them. They also said that kids younger than 10 should stay off skateboards unless an adult is nearby.
What brought on these new guidelines? Accidents! In 2000, scooter injuries sent 40,500 people to the emergency room. That's nothing compared to 2001—84,400 scooter riders went to the emergency room from January to September! Most were kids younger than 15.
The old rules still stand too: Never ride skateboards or scooters anywhere near traffic, and always wear helmets and pads.
