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A report released yesterday by the National Safety Council (NSC) says that the rate of accidental deaths in the U.S. has risen by 20 percent over the last 10 years, approaching the all-time high in 1969. The nonprofit, independent NSC estimates that accidental deaths and injuries cost the U.S. about $625.5 billion in 2005 alone, based on medical expenses, wage and productivity losses, and motor vehicle damage.

Falls, Drug Overdoses, Motorcycle Deaths

The rate of accidental deaths declined in the U.S. between 1969 and 1992, most likely because of the increasing use of seat belts, air bags, smoke detectors, and stiffer drunk driving laws. Now, however, the increasing rate of accidental deaths appears to be attributable to more falls among the elderly, more deaths from accidental overdoses of legal and illegal drugs, and more motorcycle riders' deaths.

For example, between 1999 and 2003, the rate of deaths from falling among people 65 and older rose 31 percent, faster than the population of older Americans increased in the same time period. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of accidental death among younger people, and motorcycle deaths more than doubled in number between 1995 and 2005. At the start of that time period, only 15 percent of biker deaths occurred among people 45 and older; now that number is 35 percent.

Accidents are the fifth leading cause of death in the entire U.S. population, behind:

1. Heart disease
2. Cancer
3. Stroke
4. Chronic lower respiratory respiratory diseases

However, accidental deaths are increasing at a greater rate than those of the top four causes of death, according to the NSC.

NSC President Alan McMillan noted that "Accidental death in America is a silent epidemic. With one person dying from an accident every five minutes, unintentional injury is one of the most serious public health issues facing the country."

"Trauma from accidents follows only heart disease and cancer in national medical expenditures. For people between the ages of 18 and 64 with private health insurance, more is spent on medical care for trauma and poisoning than for any other health condition. The economic and social impact is substantial for families, communities, employers and the health care system."

(Source: msnbc.msn.com; nsc.org)

Was your accident caused by the negligence or intentional harm of another? Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today to discuss your options.