Clinical orthopaedics and related research
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Sep 1987
ReviewGunshot wounds. Incidence, cost, and concepts of prevention.
The United States has the highest incidence of firearm-related deaths among the Western industrialized nations. Firearms are the second leading cause of injury death. In 1982, the National Center for Health Statistics showed that firearms killed more than 33,000 individuals: 1,756 unintentionally, 16,573 by suicide, 13,841 by homicide, 376 by legal action, and 540 of undetermined intent. ⋯ The emotional impact of a gun-related injury or death will be felt immediately by 950,000 people per year. The economic loss resulting from "premature" deaths due to firearms is estimated to be nearly $4 billion annually. Unfortunately, the firearm is so ingrained in the American experience that one must conclude gunshot injuries and fatalities are simply part of the cost of living in America today.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Sep 1987
ReviewThe prevention of injury secondary to motor vehicle accidents.
Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of death for all age groups but are the most serious threat to life for patients aged one to 34 years. Major progress has been made in reducing these losses through improved highway design, improved laws, adjudication of laws controlling the drunk driver, and the advent of vehicle safety design standards. A federal law enacted in 1966 established the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). ⋯ Safety belts are the single most effective safety device available and are required equipment in virtually all motor vehicles sold in the United States. Passive protection for nonusers of safety belts is rapidly improving with the availability of air bags and automatic belt systems, improved windshields, steering wheels, dashboards, and seats, and other vehicle crashworthiness features. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are also provided with improved protection because of the FMVSS.