Major causes of accident mortality among children: United States, 1988

Despite continuing decreases in accident mortality, accidents remain the fourth leading cause of death at all ages, combined, and the first among ages 1-44. The male dominance is most pronounced among 25- to 44-year-olds, where men account for 78 percent of the accidental deaths. Motor vehicles predominate among causes of accidental deaths at all ages, but account for an overwhelming 80 percent of these deaths among teenagers and young adults. Fires and drownings are the next most frequent forms of accidental deaths among ages 1-4 and 5-14. Prevention is the key. Decreases in childhood accidental deaths require strategies that coordinate the efforts of industry, government, medicine, social services and the public.