Top Causes of Unintentional Injury and Death in Homes and Communities
According to Injury Facts 2016, about 136,053 people died from unintentional-injury-related deaths in 2014. That’s 136,053 times someone’s ordinary day turned tragic.
Often, these tragedies happen when least expected – during a vacation, while doing chores at home or while driving across town. Here, in order, are the top causes of unintentional injury and death in homes and communities.
#1: Poisoning - Prescription drug overdose is by far the leading cause.
#2: Motor Vehicle Crashes – Impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding and inexperience can cause a life to be cut short in the blink of an eye. Everyone has a role in making our roads safer.
#3: Falls - Third leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death over all age groups, but the #1 cause of death for those 71 and older, according to Injury Facts 2015. The good news: Aging, itself, does not cause falls. Learn what you can do to help protect older loved ones.
#4: Choking and Suffocation - choking on food or other objects is a primary cause. Suffocation is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for people 87 and older. Mechanical suffocation is the #1 cause of death for infants. Learn prevention and rescue tips.
#5: Drowning -The leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death over all ages, and the #1 cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, mostly due to children falling into pools or being left alone in bathtubs. Learn how to keep yourself and your family safe.
#6: Fires and Burns - Often fires start at night, when family members are asleep. A working smoke alarm will cut the chances of dying in a fire in half. Learn more fire safety tips here.
#7: Natural and Environmental Incidents - Weather-related disasters claim hundreds of lives per year. National Safety Council encourages families to learn all they can about emergency preparedness, and always have an emergency kit on hand.
Additional Resources: