Injury Prevention - El Paso County Public Health

Injury Prevention
Motor vehicle-related injuries are the leading cause of death for people 5 to 34 years of age
in the United States, and the top cause of death for teens nationally. Nearly one in three
vehicle crash deaths involve an impaired driver. Motor vehicle-related injuries send more
than 4 million people to hospital emergency departments every year.
Motor vehicle injuries and fatalities are preventable, however. Increasing usage of seatbelts
and child safety seats in cars, and helmets and safety gear for motorcyclists are ways to
reduce the risk of injury or death. Reducing impaired and distracted driving can help
prevent motor vehicle accidents.

Deaths per 100,000 population
Rate of motor vehicle traffic deaths, 2000 to 2010
18
16
14
12
10
8
El Paso County
Colorado
6
4
2
0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Deaths per 100,000 population
Rate of motor vehicle traffic deaths,
by age and sex, 2006 to 2010
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
El Paso County
Colorado
6
4
2
0
Female Male Female Male
15-19 years 20 years and older
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Percent using restraint
Percent of motor vehicle occupants using
age-appropriate restraints, 2011
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
El Paso County
Colorado
30
20
10
0
Overall Use
Teen Juvenille (5-15
years)
Age Group
Child (0-4
years)
Source: Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)