The National Safety Council (NSC) recently released its 2014 edition of Injury Facts, a report that tracks and explains safety statistics and trends throughout the United States. For over 90 years, the organization has published this annual safety report, which provides valuable information to both experienced New York injury lawyers and to the general public on how to reduce the risk of common types of injuries.
Information that appears in the 2014 edition, according to the National Safety Council, includes the following facts:
- The price tag for accidental injuries is steep: about $790 billion annually is lost on medical bills, lost productivity, and other costs.
- Brain and spinal cord injuries remain the most expensive injuries, especially among injuries suffered on the job.
- Since 1999, the number of falls suffered by older adults has more than doubled.
- Accidental poisonings, including those from unintentional drug overdoses, were the leading cause of death in 18 U.S. states and the District of Columbia in recent years.
- Although the number of car accident deaths has generally been decreasing, car crashes remain the number-one cause of death for teenagers nationwide.
- Car accidents caused by cell phone use increased to 26 percent of all crashes in 2012. The NSC’s research indicates that hands-free devices may be no safer than using a handheld cell phone.
- Texting while driving has decreased in recent years. However, texting was involved in 5 percent of all car accidents in 2012.
- The three days surrounding New Year’s Day saw the highest number of alcohol-related crashes.
By knowing what the biggest injury risks are, you can take steps to reduce your exposure to these risks and improve the safety of yourself and those you care about. If you’ve been injured in an accident, talk to an experienced New York injury lawyer to learn more about your rights and options.