Unintentional Injury

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death in the U.S. among people ages 1-34. While commonly referred to as "accidents", they are predictable and can be stopped if preventive measures are put into place.
Motor vehicle crashes account for the majority of injuries, while burns, falls, poisonings, suffocation, and drowning account for smaller numbers.

Enacting certain laws and regulations such as minimum age drinking requirements and mandatory seat belt and helmet laws have resulted in the most notable injury prevention successes. Additional protections include airbags, childproof safety caps, and flame retardant clothing for babies.

The Cleveland Department of Public Health oversees the City’s Safe Routes to School program which focuses on bicycle and pedestrian safety for all schoolchildren and their families.

View fact sheets about the following intentional injuries from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Child Passenger Safety
• Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
• Fire Deaths and Injuries
• Fireworks Injury Prevention
• Impaired Driving
• Older Adult Drivers
• Playground Injuries
• Teen Drivers
• Water-Related Injuries