Anyone who experiences a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury is aware of how significantly his or her life can change within a matter of seconds. The two populations most at risk to sustain brain or spinal cord injuries are drivers and athletes. By being aware of certain information, both these groups can minimize their risk for brain and spinal cord injuries.
How Drivers Can Minimize Risk
There are several ways that drivers can minimize their risk of brain and spinal cord injury:
- Don’t multitask – turn off cell phones and put away anything that may distract you from the task at hand.
- Wear your safety belt.
- Drive defensively.
- Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Do not drive when you are fatigued.
How Athletes Can Minimize Risk
There are several ways that athletes can minimize their risk of brain and spinal cord injury:
- Always protective gear that is appropriate to your sport, such as a helmet or padding.
- Be safety conscious, and don’t attempt high-risk stunts or tricks.
- Prepare yourself by knowing what to do should a brain or spinal cord injury occur.
Seek Medical Attention
All the care in the world can’t prevent every brain and spinal cord injury. If you suspect that you or someone you know has sustained a brain or spinal cord injury, seek medical attention immediately. Remember, brain and spinal cord injuries can be caused without any direct impact to the area of injury, and sometimes do not show symptoms for several days or weeks.