Injuries are the third leading cause of death in Oklahoma behind heart disease and cancer. Injuries are the leading cause of death and lifelong disability among persons 1-44 years of age in Oklahoma and account for more premature deaths before 65 years of age than heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes combined. It is estimated that there are over 25,000 persons hospitalized each year from an injury.
Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability among children.
After the first year of life, more children die from injuries than all other causes of death combined. Nearly 200 teenagers and young adults 15-24 years of age die each year from traffic crashes. Prevention Many, if not most, injuries are preventable. Strategies to prevent injuries include legislation, education, and technology. Community-based programs which combine these strategies are generally most effective in injury prevention.