Americans today are safer at work or in their cars than at home. In the past 15 years, injury deaths on U.S. 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 occurring while at home, at play or in a public setting.
The cost of unintentional injuries in the United States is immense – $701.9 billion in 2008, or about $2,300 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.
Yes. A recent analysis of data from Safe Communities America members revealed that Safe Communities experienced significantly lower fatal injury rates when compared to similar counties in their localities - 10% average reduction for both intentional and unintentional injury areas. As the Safe Communities America program gains momentum, it will be exciting to see how new members continue to strive for safer communities and build on their successes.