Injury Topics

Data & Surveillance

Injury surveillance data, including incidence, risk, and cost data, are valuable tools to determine the scope of the injury problem and what prevention initiatives should be developed, or expanded, based on needs in the community. Cost benefit data can be used to advocate for specific community-based interventions, as well as State-based injury prevention programs. States may analyze emergency department, hospital admission, and mortality data, in addition to other sources, in order to design and implement prevention programs.

Injury is the leading cause of death for children age 19 and younger. In 2005, there were 17,351 injury-related deaths in this age group, including:

• 12,122 deaths from unintentional injuries
• 2,997 deaths from intentional injuries, and
• 1,855 deaths from self-inflicted injuries.

Unintentional fatal injuries cost the U.S. $62 billion in 2005; $37 billion was due to fatal injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes.