Several factors influence this trend. From 1989 to 1994, there was a consistent downward trend in number of unintentional injury deaths, primarily because yearly motor vehicle fatalities decreased. Concurrently, intentional injury deaths rose, primarily from rises in firearm-related homicides. This may be due in large part to increased seat belt and car seat use among children and addition of air bags in vehicles. However, motor vehicle-related deaths continue to be excessive and unnecessary.
Pedestrian deaths occur disproportionately among children and adolescents.
Teenagers are at greatest risk of being killed both while riding as passengers and while driving a vehicle. Drowning deaths have decreased in recent years. This trend may be due in part to recent educational awareness programs and local and state legislation requiring barriers around pools. Children of different ages have different risks of injury death. Those who are 4 years are at greatest risk for motor vehicle-related deaths followed by homicide and drowning.