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BRAIN INJURY INFORMATION

A Few Facts About Brain Injury:

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control *An estimated 5.3 million Americans live with a disability caused by a brain injury.
  • Each year in the United States an estimated 50 thousand people die as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). 1.5 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury: 8 times the number of people with breast cancer & 34 times the number of
    new cases of HIV/AIDS.

Bicycle Safety:

  • Each year, bicycle crashes account for 567,000 people in emergency departments. About 350,000 are children under the age of 15. Of the children, 130,000 sustain brain injuries.
  • Between 70% and 80% of fatal bicycle crashes involve brain injuries.
  • 90% of bicycle-related deaths involve motor vehicles.
  • Males are 6 times more likely to die in bicycle crashes than females.
  • Almost ½ of all bicycle crashes occur in driveways or on sidewalks.

Bicycle Helmets:

  • In 1997, 97% of bicyclists killed were not wearing a helmet
  • Medical research shows that 85% of brain injuries from cycling can be prevented by wearing a bicycle helmet.
  • 1/2 of all cyclists wear a helmet regularly, which is the most effective protection against brain injury.
  • Children who wear helmets usually have friends or parents who wear bike helmets.
  • Universal use of bicycle helmets could prevent one brain injury every 4 minutes.

Motorcycle Safety:

  • Brain injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes.
  • A recent NHTSA study showed that motorcycle helmets were 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.
  • One motorcyclist who sustains a brain injury can cost a state more then $2 million for care and support services over a lifetime.
  • More than 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death to the motorcyclist.

Motor Vehicle Safety:

  • Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and young adults 15 to 20.
  • Seat belts are 57% effective in preventing traumatic or fatal brain injuries.
  • Brain and chest injuries are the most frequent cause of death in crashes without seatbelts.
  • According to the NHTSA, over the past 10 years, seat belts have prevented around 55,600 deaths, 1,300,000 injuries and saved more than $105 billion in economic costs.
  • Air bags, combined with lap/shoulder safety belts, offer the most effective protection for vehicle occupants.
  • Always put infants and children under 12 in the back seat. And be sure to have rear-facing child safety seat installed properly.
  • Never put an infant in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger-side air bag, as it may result in severe injury to the child.
  • Transportation related injuries are the leading cause of brain injury.
    ( NHTSA - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Causes by percentage:

28% falls
20% motor vehicle accidents
19% struck by objects or against objects
11% violence

Falls and being struck or striking an object frequently occur during sporting activities. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, during 2007 the following numbers represent an accurate estimation of the number of sports related head injuries seen in hospital emergency rooms:

Cycling: 64,993
Football: 36,412
Baseball and Softball: 25,079
Basketball: 24,701
Powered Recreational Vehicles (ATVs, Dune Buggies, Go-Carts, Mini bikes, Off-road): 24,090
Skateboards/Scooters (Powered): 18,542
Soccer: 17,108
Skateboards/Scooters: 16,477
Winter Sports (Skiing, Sledding, Snowboarding, Snowmobiling): 16,120
Water Sports (Diving, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Swimming, Water Polo, Water Skiing): 12,096
Horseback Riding: 11,759
Health Club (Exercise, Weightlifting): 11,550
Golf: 8,417
Trampolines: 7,075
Hockey: 5,483
Gymnastics/Dance/Cheerleading: 5,459
Ice Skating: 3,703
Fishing: 3,560
Rugby/Lacrosse: 3,281
Wrestling: 2,640
The top 10 head injury categories among children ages 14 and younger:
Cycling: 32,899
Football: 17,441
Baseball and Softball: 13,508
Skateboards/Scooters (Powered): 11,848
Basketball: 10,844
Skateboards/Scooters: 10,256
Winter Sports: 7,546
Powered Recreational Vehicles: 7,460
Water Sports: 6,498
Trampolines: 6,360

Resources

Hinds Feet Farm

High Hopes

Brain Injury Association of America

Brain Injury Association of North Carolina

Brain Injury Association of America's National Family Helpline 800-444-6443