Unintentional injuries

   Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death for Americans of all ages, regardless of gender, race, or economic status. In 2002, unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 44 years and the fifth leading cause of death overall. More than 106,000 people died in 2002 from unintentional injuries.

Injury deaths are only part of the picture.  Millions of Americans sustain nonfatal injuries each year; in 2003, more than 27 million people experienced a nonfatal unintentional injury serious enough to require a visit to an emergency department.  Such injuries have a substantial impact on the lives of individual Americans, their families, and society.  The physical and emotional effects of injuries can be extensive and wide-ranging, and in the case of disabling injuries, the effects can last a lifetime.

10 leading causes OF death by age group - 2002