Transportation crashes are the leading cause of TBI-associated death among women and persons under 15 years of age. Fortunately, the rate of TBI-associated death due to transportation crashes has decreased approximately 40 percent since 1980. These positive changes should receive continued support. In addition, recent changes in speed limits and in seat belt and helmet use requirements should be evaluated to determine their impact on TBI incidence and death. Effective programs designed to decrease the occurrence of interpersonal and self-directed violence would help address this cause.
Falls are the third leading cause of TBI-associated death.
Among women over 75 years of age and men over 85 years of age, falls are the leading cause of TBI-associated death. Although better data are needed to define the circumstances of fall injuries among older persons, effective interventions may involve modifying the environment to reduce fall hazards and the impacts of falls and, where possible, reducing the use of medications with side effects that increase the risk of falling. An effective public health response to TBI also requires concerted programs to minimize adverse outcomes among persons who do experience injury. A traumatic brain injury may permanently alter a person's career or vocational aspirations and may also have profound effects on social and family relationships. In part, impairment of cognitive function may result in the loss of communication skills and memory, inability to organize tasks and solve problems, and decreased attention to detail.