Unintentional injuries are bodily injuries that were not planned for or expected. Intentional injuries are the result of things like assault. Unintentional injuries generally occur following accidents. For example, if someone takes a swing at you in a bar and causes bruising along your jaw, that is an intentional injury. If someone rear-ends you in traffic causing your face to hit the steering wheel which results in bruising, this is an unintentional accident.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the types of unintentional injuries that most commonly cause death are automobile accidents, poisoning, and falls. In fact, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for people aged 1-44. These types of injuries are a significant risk. Below are some tips for avoiding some of the most common types of unintentional injuries.
How to avoid unintentional injury in automobile accidents:
- Always wear a seat belt, even for short rides.
- Pay attention to the road while driving and practice defensive driving.
- Remember that just because it is legal to proceed, that it is not always safe to proceed. Prioritize your own safety above traffic indicators.
How to avoid unintentional injury from poisoning;
- Know the ingredients of everything you consume.
- Do not accept food or beverage from a stranger or from someone threatening.
- If you have food allergies, take extra precautions to know what you are consuming.
How to avoid unintentional injury from falls:
- Avoid hazardous or dangerous areas.
- When operating at high heights, always use the safety equipment available.
- Keep aware of your surroundings.
