Event promoting skateboard safety

OREM — The Utah County Health Department and Orem City at a competition today are promoting the use of protective gear and helmet use among skateboarders.

Skaters, who are required to wear helmets during the event, are asked to attend a short class on helmet use before the competition at Orem's skate park.

National statistics show that at least 26,000 people are sent to hospital emergency rooms each year with skate-related injuries — the equivalent of sending the entire student body of a high school to the ER each month.

According to officials, only 10 percent of the skaters at the park — located at 1200 W. 400 North — have been using helmets.