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). 1.6 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 helmets.

*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 cost.

*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)