If a disease were killing our children in the proportions that accidents are, people would be outraged and demand that this killer be stopped. C. Everett Koop, M.D., Chairman, National SAFE KIDS Campaign Injuries are the leading killer of children.
Injuries cause more childrens deaths each year than diseases, kidnapping, and drugs combined.
Each year, more than 6,600 children die and nearly 120,000 are permanently disabled from unintentional injuries. One in four children is injured badly enough to require medical attention. In Ohio, over 2300 children ages 0-14 were killed during the past ten years by unintentional injuries. Although these statistics are grim, most injuries are predictable and preventable. In fact, it is estimated that 9 out of 10 injuries can be prevented.