Childhood Injury Deaths: National Analysis and Geographic Variations

23 causes of injury mortality in US children 0-14 yrs were analyzed for 1980-85. Motor vehicles caused 37% of all injury-related deaths & were the leading cause in every group except children younger than 1 year. Male death rates were at least 4 times those of females for suicide, unintentional firearms injury, & injuries related to farm machinery & motorcycles. The highest rates were in the mountain states & the south. Between 1980-85, the suicide rate among 10-14 year olds more than doubled.