The number of inline skaters has increased by 300 percent since 1992. Unfortunately, the number of injuries to skaters has gone up proportionally. Not that skating is dangerous. But like any other activity, the participant must exercise caution and restraint.

That's particularly true for skaters who use their wheels for transportation -- reportedly, about 35 percent of skaters.

Nearly one in 25 in-line skaters is injured seriously enough to warrant a hospital visit each year -- that's 102,911 injuries in 1996, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Wrist and lower arm injuries are the most common, followed by face and chin injuries. More than 40 percent of the total injuries were fractures.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 46 percent of the injuries involve skaters who are wearing no safety gear. Compounding the problem are inline skaters who do not appear to have adequate braking skills and skate beyond their abilities. Skating out of control was a contributing factor in 67 percent of the crashes, while striking a stationary object was cited in 40 percent of the crashes (implying the skater was unable to stop in time). And considering about 22 percent of all inline skating crashes occur on city streets -- where skaters intermingle with trucks, cars, bicyclists, and motorcyclists -- a loss of control can be disastrous.

To prevent those injuries, the International Inline Skating Association offers some safety suggestions:

1. Wear full protective gear -- helmet, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads.
2. Practice basic skills, like balance and braking, on a smooth, flat surface away from traffic.
3. Avoid hills until you are ready, then always skate under control. Remember that you will gain speed quickly, even on a small hill or gradual decline.
4. Take a lesson or review an instructional video before you skate.