Accidents Happen

Losing a life is never wanted or planned for, and can be devastating. But what if the death could have been prevented? Maybe the cause of death was actually an accident. No one is immune to accidents; hundreds of them happen every day. Countless lives are lost due to accidental death, and many others are left injured. Despite the fact that accidents occur much too often, many of the accident occurrences can be prevented.

Accidental injuries and deaths can occur at any moment. While we don’t realize it, we avoid many possible accidents every day, such as not tripping on an uneven sidewalk. Because of that, everyday routines are ignored and assumed to be safe, but we’d be surprised by how many accidents can actually happen, and the chance of them happening. Certain accidents occur more commonly, and other types of accidents cause more deaths. Some of the most common accidents are electrocution, fires, car accidents, poisoning and falling, which all rank amongst the top 15 most common accidental death causes. Not surprisingly, many of us face the chance for one of these accidents every day.

An accident is defined in the dictionary as “An unexpected and undesirable event, especially one resulting in damage or harm.” For example, no one plans to fall while taking a daily shower, but just one fall can seriously injure or kill someone. Surprisingly, many more people are killed by accidents than catastrophes. Accidental death tolls are masked by the drama caused by catastrophic events and natural disasters. Although the larger scaled events and disasters kill quickly, accidents such as falls, kill a greater number. That means that we are more likely of being injured or killed during our everyday activities than from a catastrophic event or natural disaster.

In 2012, there was a death count of 120,859 from accidents, placing accidents amongst the top of leading causes of death. Breaking down the death toll into specific types of accidents, 26,009 deaths were from falls, 33,687 traffic deaths, and 33,041 poisonings. Likewise, the number of emergency room visits for accidents was even higher, at 29.3 million. Comparing accidental deaths to tragedies, accidents win by a landslide. Looking at 2001’s well-known 9/11 tragedy in the U.S., there was a catastrophic death count of 2,996. The ratio of the amount of deaths from accidents to tragedy deaths in a year result in 40:1.

On the downside, accidental deaths still continue to be less apparent to the public. Catastrophes capture most of our attention due to economic after-effects. Catastrophes result in massive destruction along with the high amount of deaths. From 1980-2008, a 601 total natural disasters occurred. Those 601 disasters affected roughly 24.5 million people, while causing up to $483,481,501 (x1000) in damages. Storms are the most common disasters, occurring averagely 12.69 times a year. Storms altogether only killed 1,833 from the 12,030 disaster-caused deaths. However, the same storms cost $125,000,000. If all catastrophes and disasters happened in one day, we would see billions worth of massive damage, and a high amount of deaths. Likewise, if all accidents occurred on the same day, we would see little property damage, overflowed hospitals, and lose 121,000 lives, which is almost 40x more than catastrophes and disasters.

On the bright side, insurance policies can cover accidental deaths, aside from required vehicle accident insurance. For example, Mutual of Omaha includes the option for accidental death insurance. Mutual of Omaha bases the opportunity from Injury Facts, 2010 Edition, which states that the likelihood of a fatal incident occurs every four minutes. Being covered for a possible incident can help prevent a family from feeling the full effect of devastation. With a possible incident every four minutes, a little extra out of our pockets seems worth the cost.

Many of us have probably heard the excuse “accidents happen.” Most of the time, we’ve heard it to justify something unfortunate happening, or to make ourselves feel better about what just happened. Accidents are bound to occur, and in some situations, cannot be avoided. The CEO of I-Key Benney believes that “Most accidents may not be just accidents.” He thinks accidents are caused by lifestyles, wrong reasoning and decisions, and carelessness. Otherwise, he believes that accidents are caused by unsafe conditions, such as an unkempt automobile. However, if a decision or lifestyle caused the incident, then the incident may not actually be an accident. Careless and unsafe conditions can also be taken care of. Taking care of the automobile and being careful can prevent accidents that are “caused.”

Many accidents, such as those that are not our personal fault, most likely cannot be avoided. We cannot help that the other driver rear ended us. Accidents are going to occur once in a while, no matter how hard we try. However, the number of accident occurrences can be minimized. Accidents within the home are the most common. Although, taking precautions such as following directions and safety features, such as grab bars for shower slips, can prevent many common accidents from happening.

Safety at home is the best way to prevent the most common injuries and death, a third of which occur in the home. Falls are the most common cause of home injuries and death for those under the age of 5, and over 70, according to the Home Safety Council. Simple safety, such as making the bathroom a no-slip zone, and having night lights can help minimize fall chances. The second most common leading cause of accidental death is poisoning; 90% of poisonings occur at the home. Simply reading safety directions, and watching children closely can drastically minimize the accidental poisonings at home. Also not surprisingly, common sense is one of the other best ways to prevent at-home injuries or deaths.

Sadly, the rate of accidental deaths is creeping higher in the U.S. Over time, the rate increased gradually to 12% in 2007, with most deaths resulting from drug overdoses, and elderly falls. To add to the death numbers, were motorcycle accidents. In 2005, the death count for motorcyclists doubled compared to the amount in 1995, where 35% of the riders were 45 and older. Still increasing is the rate of deaths from falls. From 1999 to 2003, the percent of deaths from falls of those who were 65 and up rose 31%. However, accidents are still one of the top killers for those from the ages 1 to 44.

When we trip on sidewalks and fall, we don’t blame gravity for pulling us down. We blame the sidewalks for being crooked. Maybe we should just watch where we step. Although unsafe conditions and unsafe actions exist, many of them can be prevented with good habits, and putting safety first. For example, if we need to get somewhere, don’t speed. It’s much better to arrive alive.

Works Cited

“The 15 Most Common Accidental Deaths.” . Likes. Web. 8 Mar 2014.

“Accidents or Unintentional Injuries.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics, 30 Dec 2013. Web. 29 Mar 2014.

“9/11 Death Statistics.” Statistic Brain. N.p., 26 Sep 2013. Web. 29 Mar 2014.

“US Disaster Statistics.” Disaster Survival Resources. StudioKiko. Web. 29 Mar 2014.

“Accidental Death Insurance.” . Mutual of Omaha. Web. 9 Mar 2014.

CEO, I-Key Benney. “Personal Safety: How To Avoid Accidents And Live A Safe, Longer & Happy Life .” BoxingScene. Boxing Scene. Web. 9 Apr 2014

Karriem-Norwood, Varnada. “Wound Care: Your Essential First Aid Care Guide.” WebMD. N.p., 20 Sep 2012. Web. 29 Mar 2014.

NBCnews, . “Accidental Death Rate Creeping Higher in U.S. .” NBCnews. Associated Press, 7 Jul 2007. Web. 31 Mar 2014.