What is injury prevention?  Some people think it is the prevention of accidents.  Let’s look at the definition of “accident” from several sources. 

www.dictionary.com defines “accident” as “any event that happens unexpectedly, without a  deliberate plan or cause”.  

 

Merriam-Webster defines it thus:  “A mishap, especially one causing injury or death.  Anything that happens by chance without an apparent cause".         

Oxford: "An incident that happens by chance or without apparent cause". 

The use of the word “accident” to describe injury events, such as a car crash or a fall, implies that the causes of injuries are random or happened by chance and that nothing could have prevented them from happening.  Those who work in the field of injury prevention never use the word “accident” but prefer the term “unintentional injury” to refer to injuries that are not planned but are preventable.  Injury prevention, then, is based on the principle that injuries are predictable and preventable.  We may not be able to control what other people do that may impact our lives but we can all get in the habit of practicing safe behavior:

*Take safety precautions such as wearing seat belts, putting children in child safety seats, wearing helmets, installing and maintaining smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, using trigger locks on guns, wearing sports safety equipment, making sure friends and family don’t drive impaired, and practicing escape routes in case of fire.   

*Be aware of what’s going on around you.  For example, drive defensively and always be aware of what the other drivers are doing.  If you see a dangerous situation, take steps to correct it or call someone who can, such as the fire department or police department.   

*Teach your children good safety habits that will last a lifetime.

The lists could go on and on, but these will give you an idea of what you need to do to practice safe behavior.  There are links on this page to injury prevention fact sheets and more will be added in the future.  Please feel free to use them and help in the fight to reduce unintentional injuries.

That being said, it should also be noted that not all injury events are survivable, but by practicing safe behavior, you will increase your chances of surviving and lessen the impact these events will have on you, your family, and your friends.