E-Flyer Head Injury Prevention

March 2015

 

Head Injury Prevention

 

Anyone who decides to ride a bicycle or motorcycle must consider, that wearing a helmet is the most effective strategy for preventing head injuries from a crash or fall. 

Yearly, hundreds of people suffer head injuries and die from head injuries sustained following a fall from their bike. With the emergence of Quadbikes, which can be driven at higher speeds, the statistics for deaths and injuries has increased further. 

World Head Injury Awareness Day (yearly on 20 March) is there to remind us of how we can reduce accidents and brain injuries. It advocates the correct use of safety gadgets such as helmets and seat belts, which can prevent damage to the head when one is involved in an accident.

Globally every year more than 5% of people suffer serious brain injury after an accident or as a result of accidentally bumping their head.

An estimated 89 000 cases of new traumatic brain injuries are reported annually in South Africa.

Prevention of head injuries

 

·         Always wear a seat belt when in a motor vehicle

·         Use an appropriate child safety seat (Remember: rear-facing is safer than forward facing)

·         Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs

·         Always wear a helmet when on a bicycle, motorcycle or scooter

·         Use the rails on stairways

·         Provide adequate lighting on stairs for people with poor vision

·         Do not place obstacles on pathways

·         Provide the correct safety equipment for workers.