Unintentional Injuries & Violence

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 77 percent of deaths among youth ages 10 to 24 years are caused by unintentional injuries or violence. That’s more than the number of deaths from all diseases combined.

In 2016, the four main causes of death among people ages 10 to 24 were:

• Motor vehicle crashes: 22 percent
• Suicide: 20 percent
• Homicide: 15 percent
• Other unintentional injuries: 20 percent

The 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey highlights behaviors that contribute to these injuries and deaths among high school students. By knowing these risk factors and behaviors, you can increase your awareness and reduce your risk.

Behaviors That Contribute to Unintentional Injury

Students reported that they engaged in these behaviors during the 30 days before they took the survey:

• Not using a seat belt. Nearly 6 percent of students had either never or rarely worn a seat belt while in a car that someone else was driving.
• Riding with someone who’s been drinking. Nearly 17 percent of students had taken a ride with a driver who had been drinking alcohol.
• Drinking and driving. Among students who drive, 5.5 percent of students had driven a car or other vehicle after they’d been drinking alcohol.
• Marijuana use and driving. Among students who drive, 13 percent drove a car or other vehicle one or more times after using marijuana.
• Texting and driving. Among students who drive, 39 percent had texted or emailed while driving a car or other vehicle.
• Alcohol use. Almost 30 percent of students drank alcohol at least once in the past 30 days.
• Marijuana use. Almost 20 percent of students used marijuana at least once a day in the past 30 days.

Behaviors That Contribute to Violence

Students reported that they engaged in or experienced these behaviors during 12 months before they took the survey:

• Carrying a weapon. Nearly 16 percent students had carried a weapon, such as a gun, knife or club. Almost 4 percent of students had carried a weapon on school property, and 6 percent were threatened or injured with a weapon on school property.
• Fighting. Almost 24 percent of students had been in a physical fight one or more times in the past 12 months.
• Cyberbullying. Almost 15 percent of students had been electronically bullied through texting, Instagram, Facebook or other social media in the past 12 months.

Results from these behaviors include:

• Anxiety. More than 6 percent of students didn’t go to school at least one day because they felt unsafe at school or on their way to and from school.
• Dating violence. Among students who dated, 7 percent reported experiencing dating violence and 7.4 percent reported being physically forced to have sexual intercourse during the previous year.
• Suicide. During the 12 months before taking the survey, 7.4 percent of students had attempted suicide. If you or a friend is considering self-harm, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline counselors are available 24/7 to help. Call or send a text to 988, or chat online. 

Last reviewed: December 2019