New Study: Concussion Increases Risk of Traffic Accidents

New Study: Concussion Increases Risk of Traffic Accidents

New Study: Concussion Increases Risk of Traffic Accidents

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New Study: If This Has Happened to You Within the Last Month, Your Risk of a Traffic Accident Is Now Almost 50% Higher Concussions are a common injury in the U.S., leading to emergency visits for 1 to 3 million Americans per year, according to the Cleveland Clinic, which also says that concussions account for more than 50% of ER visits for children between the ages of 5 and 18. This type of head injury requires proper time to fully heal, possibly more than most people realize. In the first 48 hours alone, it’s important to rest, both physically and mentally, as certain activities can greatly impact how your brain and body heal. What’s more, a recent study suggests that the risk of a very serious consequence is elevated for at least a month after sustaining a concussion. That study, published on November 6 in the British Medical Journal Open, looked at the medical records of more than 3 million patients in Ontario, Canada, collected between April 2002 and March 2022. Roughly 425,000 of those subjects were treated for a concussion, while 2.6 million were treated for an ankle sprain during that time. Comparing those groups, the researchers found that patients who had experienced a concussion were 49% more likely to be in a traffic crash, compared with those who’d sprained their ankle. In fact, one in 13 people with concussions went on to be in a car accident—and their risk was six times higher in the first four weeks following their head injury. Every year, around 40,000 people die in traffic accidents across the United States, according to 2024 data from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The researchers note several concussion symptoms that can continue to linger for weeks, such as headaches, insomnia, dizziness, amnesia, fatigue, irritability, depression, delayed reaction times, and difficulty concentrating. “Whether recovery is complete with no ongoing impairment is often uncertain,” the study states, with the researchers hypothesizing that a concussion and its subsequent symptoms noted above could lead to “neurocognitive deficits” that could increase the likelihood of a traffic crash. A lack of public awareness could also play a role, the team says. “I worry that sometimes a concussion requires more recovery time than most people realize,” said Donald Redelmeier, MD, a lead researcher and scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto, Canada, via news release. “Rushing things might lead to another injury, including a life-threatening traffic crash,” he added. The researchers stopped short of establishing that concussions directly cause crashes, but say that providing better treatment for concussion symptoms—including headaches, insomnia, depression, and substance misuse—could help reduce risk for drivers and pedestrians alike. Additionally, those who have suffered concussions should be instructed to reduce their traffic exposure “by avoiding high-speed trips during adverse late-night hours,” the study states. “Ultimately, an awareness of traffic risk after a concussion may help protect the patient and the community.” So, even if your injury appears to be in the rearview, it’s worth taking extra precautions on the road until your doctor gives you an official all-clear. In conclusion, we must prioritize our health and safety above all else, especially when it comes to recovering from head injuries like concussions. By understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions, we can reduce the likelihood of being involved in a serious traffic accident. Remember, your well-being is the most important thing, so take care of yourself and others on the road. For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading for more insightful articles on health and wellness. The post New Study: If This Has Happened to You Within the Last Month, Your Risk of a Traffic Accident Is Now Almost 50% Higher appeared first on The Healthy.
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Hi, I’m Ciro Irmici, an entrepreneur and investor from San Severo, Italy. My passions range from investments (stocks, crypto, dividends) to automation and creating businesses that help people. I believe in building things that matter, like a gym for all and a theatre for people to enjoy music. I love learning and sharing what I learn: how to create eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital products. I’m also deeply into fitness (gym, running, jump rope) and creativity (painting, music, design). My ultimate goal? To reach financial freedom and help others achieve their dreams.

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