SOUNDING OFF:Heads up on skateboard safety

This summer I’ve held my breath (on too many occasions) while watching children skateboard recklessly, without a helmet, through traffic, without so much as a cursory glance in either direction to ensure they will not be hit by oncoming cars.

More than once I’ve had the unfortunate experience of almost hitting a skateboarder who suddenly darted out in front of my car after emerging from between parked cars on the side of the road.

During each experience, my children have had to brace themselves as I slam on the brakes in order to avoid the individual who seems only to think of his or her own agenda. Then we sit and watch with wonder as the offending skateboarder zips along in front of us as if nothing has happened.

This June I witnessed a boy, who looked no older than 13, riding his skateboard down Third Street (in the village), barefoot and wearing no helmet. I held my breath as he came down that steep hill and went into a crouch at the bottom in order to avoid being thrown from his board. Luckily, he pulled it off, but maybe the next child won’t be so lucky and will be thrown into oncoming traffic instead.

Yesterday afternoon in South Laguna, I watched as a boy who looked about 12 years old came flying down Third Avenue (with his skimboard tucked under one arm) and turned left onto Coast Highway without stopping! He was wearing no helmet and did not seem concerned with oncoming traffic one bit.

My children skateboard, too, and I have to constantly remind them about safety while riding and the importance of wearing their helmets. They have been told there are consequences, such as the loss of his or her skateboard, etc., if they do not follow our rules.

When my children see their peers and the older kids they look up to riding so recklessly and without a helmet, it makes it more difficult to enforce proper safety requirements.

Parents, please let’s get on the same page regarding this dangerous issue. We all need to enforce the helmet rule and review safe riding habits before it is too late for one of our children.

I’m sure we all agree that none of us wishes to witness a horrible accident, or worse, to be the unfortunate individual driving the car that strikes a child who careens out in front of his or her vehicle.

I can only imagine that as the driver of an automobile that has struck a child, knowing it wasn’t your fault would be no consolation and doesn’t erase the angst you would feel living with something of that magnitude for the rest of your life.

I hope that it doesn’t take the death of one of our own for people to sit up, take notice and begin doing something about this issue.