Injury prevention

How is King County doing?

In King County, injuries kill more people between the ages of one and 44 than any other cause of death. The five leading causes of injury death are suicide, unintentional poisoning, traffic crashes, falls, and homicide. In addition, injuries were the leading cause of hospitalizations (excluding child-birth) for King County residents between the ages of 5 - 44 and over 85.

Injuries are classified by intent. In King County, the majority of injuries, such as most traffic crashes, are unintentional. Suicide and homicide are examples of intentional injuries. About 65 percent percent of injuries in King County are classified as unintentional and 31 percent percent as intentional. Injuries of undetermined intent, legal intervention, or war comprise the rest.

Unintentional injuries: Hospitalizations to King County residents for motor vehicle injuries have decreased 45 percent in King County from 1990 to 2006. Vehicle death and hospitalization rates are highest among males, and for people age 15-24 and over 75. Traffic crashes do not just kill drivers and passengers; they also kill motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Although King County had the greatest number of traffic fatalities (471) from impaired driver-related crashes for the ten-year period 1998 - 2007, the county's rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (0.29/100 million VMT) was the second lowest in the state.

Moreover, substantial declines in motor vehicle fatalities were seen in 2007. Total crash deaths in King County declined by 22.9 percent, compared to the 2002-2006 average. Drinking-driver-involved deaths dropped by 40.2 percent and impaired-driver-involved deaths declined by 39.6 percent. Speeding-involved deaths were down by 38.2 percent.

After leveling off in the late 1990s, unintentional poisoning deaths have increased since 2001. This increase is driven by overdoses of prescription-type opioids such as methadone and oxycodone. Falls have also increased since the early 1990s. Fall-related events comprise 17 percent of EMS responses among persons 65 years and older, and nearly two-thirds of these occur in the home while less then 10 percent occur in an extended care or nursing home facility.

Intentional injuries: Suicide rates are in a long-term decline. Suicide attempts are more common among young adults and females, while suicide deaths are greatest among males. Although homicides and assault hospitalizations have declined for all, males still experience homicide and assault hospitalizations at higher rates than females. In particular, assault hospitalization and homicide rates are highest for males ages 18-24.

What else influences these indicators?

Injuries are very common. Most of us will suffer a serious injury at least once in our lives. Often, people say "accident" when they talk about injuries. In fact, we can predict and prevent most injuries.

Strategies to prevent suicide include providing effective clinical care for people suffering from mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders or who are seeking mental health services and support. Restricting at-risk patients' access to firearms and other lethal methods of committing suicide may also prevent fatalities.

Impaired driving and speed are the top two factors in fatal traffic crashes. To make the roads safer for everyone, drive the speed limit and only sober. Drive below the speed limit if weather of road conditions make it difficult to see or stop quickly. Seatbelts, car seats, and booster seats provide drivers and passengers protection during crashes. Washington law requires all drivers and passengers to use a seatbelt, car seat, or booster seat.

In King County, pedestrian fatalities happen most often during rush hours or times of darkness and many involved unsafe crossing practices. When walking, cross only at intersections, preferably ones with signals, and make sure all cars have stopped before stepping into the road. At night, make yourself visible to drivers - use flashlights, reflectors, or wear reflective clothing.

When bicycling, wear a helmet and follow all traffic laws.

Preventing homicides and assaults requires comprehensive and coordinated interventions in schools, communities, and among families.

Elderly persons who have previously fallen have an increased risk of falls, fractures, and death.

What role does King County government play?

Public Health - Seattle & King County's Violence and Injury Prevention Unit plans, implements, and evaluates selected approaches to reduce death and injury in King County. For instance, King County implemented a multi-level program to reduce impaired driving (see Last Call program performance measure). The injury prevention program also directs and coordinates the King County Traffic Safety Coalition which conducts regional work on speed and DUI enforcement.

Public Health also administers emergency medical services (EMS) for King County, providing injured people with vital care that may save their life and reduce the chance of long-term damage. Public Health's EMS division offers a fall prevention program for older adults who have received 9-1-1 services because of a fall. This program provides enrollees with personal and home safety evaluations and other measures.

The King County Department of Transportation has several programs to improve road safety in unincorporated areas. These include responding to citizen reported safety issues, addressing conditions at identified high-crash locations, installing guardrail systems, and conducting traffic patrols in collaboration with the King County Sheriff's Office. The department also partners with local residents on neighborhood safety activities and improvements.