It's only partially the case. I've taken pretty bad spills before because of unfinished road tar that pretty much "ground me to a halt", like quicksand, and also from curbs that I thought I could brace, but instead sent me forward head over heels. Skateboard accidents can be a lot less forgiving than bike ones if they are the kind where your board stops and you keep going.. Though they also can be a lot more forgiving since you are closer to the ground. It's a mix. I don't wear a helmet -- helmets makes me more clumsy. But at the same time, I don't really go in the street much, mostly a sidewalk skater.