Dr. Scott Livingston wants all service members and civilians to know these truths: Helmets can help to decrease death and brain injuries among motorcycle drivers.
Those who wear helmets are also helping prevent traumatic brain injuries.
"Helmets are about 37 percent more effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67 percent in preventing brain injuries," according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute's website.
"Almost three quarters of service members and veterans, if they wear a helmet and were involved in a motor vehicle collision, it can reduce the risk of head injury and also reduce the risk of death," said Livingston, director of education for the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC), an organization that sponsors an initiative to educate service members about traumatic brain injury.
Livingston added that traumatic brain injuries--a hot topic stemming from 15-plus years of war--also take place outside of motorcycle accidents. He said service members and civilians often sustain injuries while partaking in recreational activities, car accidents and sometimes while serving in combat zones.
To prevent traumatic brain injuries, Livingston said children should wear seat belts whenever they are in a car and that individuals should wear helmets whenever they participate in recreational activities that require contact.
Retired Marine Corps Sgt. Calvin Smith understands the truth that Livingston wants everyone to know regarding the importance of wearing helmets. While riding his motorcycle, Smith was hit by a motorist who was texting while driving. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, injured his neck and even had to have his leg amputated.
"He hit me into the fast lane, where another car hit me," Smith details in an online video. "I hit that car's windshield. I broke it. And then I hit a guardrail and that did me over."
Smith said the guardrail left an imprint on his helmet.
"I would not advise [anyone] to ride a bike without the proper helmet," said Smith during an interview with the Pentagram. "Obviously, that is the most important thing, but also wearing gloves and proper shoes [is vital]."
Smith's brain injury has left him with lasting damage: he has permanent memory loss; he suffers from vertigo, an inner ear problem that causes people to feel like they are spinning; and he often loses his balance while walking.
Smith said he has worked through his injuries because he has a firm support group--his family, especially his wife, who he met while undergoing speech therapy treatment.
"My wife has helped me to push through everything, no matter how hard it is," said Smith. "She helps me to get up in the morning, and reminds me of my doctor appointments."
To learn more about TBIs, Smith's story or more preventative safety tips, visit: http://dvbic.dcoe.mil/aheadforthefuture/prevent.
Related Links:
A Head for the Future: A Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) Initiative
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