The number one injury in America is preventable injury-related death. Each year, millions of Americans suffer from preventable injuries, many of which can be fatal. The top three leading causes of preventable injury-related death are poisoning, motor vehicle, and falls. These three causes account for over 86% of all preventable deaths in the United States. No other preventable cause of death, including suffocation, drowning, fire and burns, and natural or environmental disasters, accounts for more than 5% of the total.
Poisoning is the leading cause of preventable injury-related death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), poisoning accounted for nearly half of all preventable injury-related deaths in 2017. The majority of poisoning deaths are caused by prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as illicit drugs. To reduce the risk of poisoning, it is important to properly store and dispose of medications, to keep track of the number of pills in a bottle, and to never share medications with others.
Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of preventable injury-related death in the United States. The CDC estimates that over 36,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2017. To reduce the risk of motor vehicle-related injury, it is important to always wear a seatbelt, to obey speed limits, and to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Falls are the third leading cause of preventable injury-related death in the United States. According to the CDC, falls accounted for nearly 30,000 deaths in 2017. To reduce the risk of falls, it is important to use ladders and stepstools safely, to wear proper footwear, and to make sure that stairs and walkways are clear of clutter.
Preventable injury-related death is a major public health issue in the United States. To reduce the risk of preventable injury-related death, it is important to be aware of the top three leading causes: poisoning, motor vehicle, and falls. By taking steps to reduce the risk of these three causes, we can help to save lives.
