Each year, motor vehicle crashes take the lives of more than 40,000 people in the United States and result in 2.7 million emergency department visits. In relation to the leading causes of death, motor vehicle-related injuries are the leading cause of death for people ages 5 through 34 in the United States. Worldwide, road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 29.

 

CDC has identified motor vehicle crashes and injuries as a Winnable Battle. To increase the prevention of motor vehicle accidents, CDC is utilizing science to better understand this issue and develop programs and policies that will change behavior to keep drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians’ safe while on the road. Promoting evidence-based programs and cost-effective strategies as prevention tactics as well will both have significant impacts on the nation's health and safety considering this current issue.

 

Public Health Foundation (PHF) offers resources that public health and other professionals can use to help reduce the rates of motor vehicle injuries. To learn more information about the prevention of motor vehicle injuries, take a course on TRAIN such as Developing Evidence-Based Public Health Policy to Address Motor Vehicle Injury. For more resources on Motor Vehicle Injuries, visit PHF’s Learning Resource Center to find high quality training materials, and use the Public Health Improvement Resource Center for online tools.
 
Please visit the CDC’s Winnable Battles Motor Vehicle Injuries website for more information.

 

For evidence-based findings and recommendations from the Task Force on Community Preventive Services pertaining to Motor Vehicle Injuries, please visit the Community Guide's website.