The National Safety Council (NSC) collects, analyzes, and reports statistics for preventable injuries and fatalities. This data measures trends over time and highlights top death and injury risks.
Preventable deaths are at an all-time high in America, with 197,449 occurring in 2024. While this was a decrease of 11% from 2023, there is still significant work to be done. Preventable injuries are the third leading cause of death in the United States. The first are heart disease and cancer.
Nonfatal preventable injuries affected 54.5 million individuals in 2024. That means about 1 in 5 Americans got medical attention for an injury.
Top Preventable Injuries
Fall-related injuries made up 35% of all preventable nonfatal injuries in 2023. Falls can cause broken bones and serious complications, particularly for older adults. Other top preventable injuries were struck by or against injuries (11%), motor vehicle occupant injuries (9%), overexertion (~7%), and poisoning (~7%).
Top Causes of Preventable Injury-Related Death
In 2023, the top three leading causes of preventable injury-related deaths were related to 86% of total preventable deaths. Those causes are:
- Poisoning
- Falls
- Motor vehicle crashes
All three of these are in the top 10 for deaths and nonfatal injuries. Other preventable causes of death including drowning, fires, natural disasters, and suffocation accounted for less than 3% of the total.
Poisoning Injuries
Poisoning includes drug overdoses and is the top cause of preventable injury-related death in the United States. More than 100,000 poisoning deaths occurred in 2023, which was about 45% of all preventable injury-related deaths that year. This was the top cause of preventable injury related deaths for age groups ranging from 25-74.
Prevent poisoning by keeping medications and household chemicals out of reach of children. Be on the lookout for button batteries, which are often found in car key remotes and other household items. Don’t take multiple medications without the guidance of your doctor or pharmacist. You can learn more about preventing poisoning injuries in this guide.
Fall Injuries
Falls are the second leading cause of death overall. They’re the top cause of preventable deaths starting at age 75. Falls were also the leading cause of nonfatal injuries for most age groups.
Preventing falls starts with safe practices. Wearing non-slip shoes, ensuring walkways are clear and free of debris or ice, using non-slip bathroom mats, and installing grab bars for the shower are great ways to help prevent falls. Mobility aids like canes or walkers may be helpful if you experience mobility or balance challenges. Learn more about preventing falls at home.
Motor Vehicle Crashes and Injuries
Motor vehicle crashes are the third top cause of preventable death overall. They’re the leading cause of preventable death for ages 5-24.
Staying alert while driving is key to preventing motor vehicle crashes. Things can change quickly when you’re behind the wheel, so avoid distractions and focus on your surroundings. Be on the lookout for motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Wear your seatbelt and ensure that all passengers buckle up as well – babies and children should be in an appropriate car seat or booster seat. Keep your vehicle well maintained. Don’t drive if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
