Which term describes an injury that prevents normal activities like walking or driving?

The term that best describes an injury preventing normal activities such as walking or driving is "incapacitating injury." This type of injury significantly limits a person's ability to perform everyday tasks and activities, often requiring assistance or ongoing care. Incapacitating injuries can be severe or life-altering, impacting mobility, cognitive functions, or both, which is why they hinder the ability to engage in common actions like walking or driving.

Other terms, while they may describe types of injuries, do not accurately convey the same level of functional limitation. A minor injury typically implies a less severe impact, allowing the individual to continue most normal activities. A fatal injury signifies one that leads to death, which does not apply here. Chronic injuries refer to long-term conditions that persist over time, but they do not necessarily imply an immediate incapacity to perform normal activities. Thus, "incapacitating injury" is the most appropriate term for this context.