Can Football Head Injuries Be Prevented in Kansas and Missouri?
With some technology, it seems as those he
ad injuries caused by playing football could someday be prevented.
The “magic” is called accelerometers. Some helmets can be fitted with these accelerometers which track the number and severity of the hits to the head during a game. It’s an amazing concept. Every single football helmet should be equipped with this technology.
The University of North Carolina (UNC) has had their players equipped since 2004. The research team has compiled that data from more than 150 players since then.
The accelerometers send the precise location and G-force of helmet hits to a central computer that sits on the 50-yard line at games and inside the trainer’s room at practice. The idea and reasoning behind the research is to teach the players better blocking and tackling techniques to protect their head.
The problem is price. At $1,500 per helmet it’s hard for schools to afford the technology. UNC received grants to help offset the cost. But until the price comes down, don’t expect to see your pee-wee football helmets have the accelerometers in their helmets.
Until that happens, make sure your child athlete is equipped with proper fitting helmets and pads before they take the field. Make sure they know the symptoms of a concussion and how important it is to communicate any injury they may have to their coach immediately. Dizziness and headaches are the first signs of a concussion and early treatment is important.
The lawyers at the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys have experience in handling Kansas City injury cases involving concussions. If we can be of assistance to you, please contact us to discuss your situation in more detail. Contact our experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys. With over 15 years of experience in Brain and Spinal Injuries including sports related head injury cases, we may be able to help your family through this difficult time.
