In many cases, these situations result in injuries. However, when the situation is investigated, the cause can clearly be determined. In the above scenario, several steps could have been taken to avoid the collision and to reduce the risk of injury to both the boy on the bicycle and the person driving the vehicle. Many people, however, do not know the steps to take to reduce risk of injuries. Injuries are predictable and preventable.
Injuries are one of the least recognized public health problems today.
The costs associated with injuries are enormous, not only in direct dollar costs but, more importantly, with the loss of life and human potential. Injuries are the leading cause of death for Canadian children and youyh between the ages of 1 and 19 years. Intentional injuries are the result of acts of violence such as suicide attempts, rape and assaults. The cause of an injury and why the injury happened are not the same. If a child breaks her arm falling down a flight of stairs, the injury was caused by the fall.