Unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death to Michigan residents who are at least one year old but under age 35. Unintentional injuries such as burns, crashes, drownings, and poisonings account for more than 40 percent of all deaths in the U.S. for youths aged 15 to 24 and for a quarter of all deaths for those aged 25 to 44. Men are more than twice as likely as women to die of unintentional injuries. In 1998, the Michigan age-adjusted unintentional injury death rate was 37.7 for men and 16.4 for women. The rate for African-American men was the highest at 51.2.
Severe injuries can result in long-term physical and mental impairments.
For every unintentional injury resulting in death there are almost 10 that result in disabilities. The department is actively working to decrease the incidence and burden of unintentional injuries. The Department assists in the distribution of smoke detectors, bicycle helmets, child safety seats, and safety educational materials. The department alos offers training and certification for child passenger safety technicians to assist with child safety seat inspections conducted throughout the state. The department supports SAFE KIDS coalitions that design, implement, and evaluate initiatives to prevent childhood injuries.