Why Now?
Injuries at play, at work and on our roads are the leading cause of death among Americans ages 1 to 41,
and the fifth leading cause of death overall. In 2005, there were 113,000 injury-related deaths and
24,100,000 disabling injuries. One out of every nine Americans sought medical attention for their injuries.
The cost of unintentional injuries in the United States is immense – $625.5 billion in 2005 or $2,100 for
every person. Medical expenses, wage and productivity loss, and property damage all contribute to this staggering
number, which is compounded by the enormous toll that pain and suffering inflicts on individuals, their families,
and their communities.
Injuries are preventable
Simple safety measures can save lives. Historical data shows us this is true. National poison prevention
initiatives begun in the 1960s have greatly reduced poisoning deaths for children ages five and younger to
30 in 2005. Since 1975, more than 211,000 lives have been saved by buckling up while in a vehicle.
Through Safe Communities America, the National Safety Council works with local communities to prevent
needless deaths and disabling injuries. It provides a structure, administrative support, and years of
experience and expertise in injury prevention in an effort to make our communities safer places to live,
work and play.
Americans today are safer at work or in their cars than at home.
In the past 15 years, injury deaths on US highways declined 17%. Injury-related deaths
occurring while at work declined 16%. However, injury deaths in home and community settings
increased 30%. More than 64,000 Americans lost their lives from injury while at home,
at play, or in a public setting.
