Passive strategies involve separating people from hazards and are more effective than active strategies which involve individuals changing behaviour to reduce risks. Examples of enforcement initiatives which have a proven effect in reducing injuries include reducing legal limits on permitted alcohol levels in drivers, speed cameras, safety belt and bicycle helmet wearing. The design of injury prevention strategies need considerable thought.
Many activities have attendant risks as well as wider health benefits e.g. most physical sports.
A successful injury prevention strategy is one which allows a greater number of people to participate safely and not one which achieves a reduction in injuries by reducing participation. Community programmes can be very successful, however to be effective they need a commitment to inter-agency cooperation, adequate resources, time to develop effective networking, and a surveillance system to target areas of need and monitor progress. The quality of the research available could be improved by greater emphasis on well-designed and evaluated programmes, using randomised controlled trials where possible. More attention should be given to identifying suitable control groups for use in community based programmes and the development of good quality of life instruments for use as outcome measures in non-fatal injuries.