While spinal cord injuries (SCI) cannot always be prevented, people can take steps to reduce the risk of experiencing such injuries.

Tips to prevent automobile accidents that can cause SCI include:

• Drive safely
  
  
• Always wear a seatbelt
  
  
• Keep young children in the back seat to avoid air bag injuries
  
  
• Do not drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs
  
  
• Avoid riding with drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  
  
• Avoid distractions (e.g., cell phone use, eating) while driving a car

Tips to prevent acts of violence that can cause SCI include:

• Use care around firearms
  
  
• Keep firearms unloaded and locked away when not in use
  
  
• Store bullets separately from firearms
  
  
• Receive proper training on how to use a firearm
  
  
• Keep children away from firearms

Tips to prevent accidental falls that can cause SCI include:

• Use nonslip assistance where possible. This includes using stair handrails, nonslip shoes, grab bars and nonslip mats in the shower and tub.
  
  
• Use safety gates at stairway entries. Safety gates placed at the top and bottom of stairways can help prevent young children from tumbling down a set of stairs.
  
  
• Install window guards where appropriate. In homes above the first floor, or those with two or three stories, window guards can prevent accidental falls and possible spinal cord injuries.
  
  
• Avoid certain medications if possible. Some medications may increase a person’s risk of falling if they have side effects that may make a person more likely to lose their balance.

Tips to prevent spinal cord injuries that may occur during sports and other activities include:

• Wear appropriate protective equipment when physically active. This includes helmets or headgear during certain sports (e.g., football, baseball, hockey) and activities (e.g., bicycling, skating, skateboarding, horseback riding).
  
  
• Avoid head-first type moves. This includes diving, tackling or sliding into base. When diving, it is important to have first positively identified the depth of the water before diving into it. Entering water feet first is safer than diving headfirst.
  
  
• Use spotters. Ask a friend to spot you while doing any type of physical activity that may put you at risk of serious injury. This includes while working out with weights at the gym, or performing new gymnastic routines.

In addition, immediate and appropriate medical attention can help reduce the damage caused by an SCI. Bystanders should never attempt to move a person who appears to have suffered an SCI. Emergency medical personnel should be contacted immediately.