WHAT IS BRAIN INJURY
Your brain controls who you are, how you act and how you interact with your friends,
family and the world around you. Brain injury refers to the death of brain cells which
results in changes in the way you think, feel and act.

CAUSES OF BRAIN INJURY
• Direct blow to the head
• Head shaken violently (your brain’s thrown against the boney structure of your skull)
• Blow elsewhere to your body (resonates to your brain)
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Lack of oxygen to the brain

HOW TO PREVENT A BRAIN INJURY
• Wear your seatbelt; make sure everyone in the car wears a seatbelt
• Pay attention while driving (cell phones, text messaging, eating, loud music, friends)
• Drive within the speed limit
• Drive sober
• Wear a helmet while on a bike or skateboard

Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability in teens and young adults.
UGotBrains was developed by the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey to spread
the word about the serious consequences of brain injury. But brain injury is
PREVENTABLE, and it doesn't have to happen to you. We want you to know that your
decisions can affect your life, and your friends and family too.

UGotBrains is funded through the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety
because teens are injured and killed at alarming rates on our roadways.

U got a story a share? U got something to say? Contact us.


For more information on brain injury, traffic safety or related topics, visit these
sites:

• Take The Oath "I will not read, write or send messages using any handheld device while driving, because I understand that it puts my life and the lives of my fellow travelers at risk of harmful injury or death."
  
  
• KEEP THE DRIVE is a teen-led movement to take on the No. 1 killer of teens - car crashes
  
  
• U R the spokesperson discusses reckless driving among teens and gives teens the
  power to speak up
  
  
• Gone 4 ever tells the stories of teenagers who died in car crashes because of
  drunk/reckless driving
  
  
• Think Seat Belts allows you to put yourself in the driver's seat and simulate a crash
  
  
• Wear a Helmet provides pictures and stories of teens whose lives were changed by
  brain injury
  
  
• Above the Influence discusses facts about substance abuse and its link to brain
  injury
  
  
• Brain Injury Association of New Jersey provides general information about brain
  injury
  
  
• Safe Passage New Jersey links to traffic safety resources and partner information,
  such as New Jersey State Safety Council and New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety


• AAMVA: Teens Raise Their Voice for Safe Teen Driving