There are a number of commonsense precautions you can take to reduce your risk of concussion.

These precautions include:

• always wearing the recommended equipment when taking part in a contact sport such as rugby or boxing
• making sure any contact sport you or your child are taking part in is supervised by a properly qualified and trained person
• always wearing a seatbelt when driving
• wearing a motorcycle helmet – this is a legal requirement if you are riding a motorcycle in England
• wearing a cycle helmet – this is not a legal requirement, but cycle helmets have been recommended by several leading organisations, such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

It is also easy to underestimate how many cases of concussion occur as the result of a fall or slip at home or in the garden, especially in older people. Following some or all of the suggestions below will help keep your home and garden as safe as possible.

• keep stairways clear so you do not trip over anything
• use appropriate safety equipment if you're doing any kind of DIY
• use appropriate equipment to change a light bulb, such as a stepladder
• clean up spillages to prevent someone slipping

For more information, visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents website.