Motor Vehicle Injuries

In the United States, motor vehicle-related injuries are the leading cause of death for people age 5-34. Worldwide, road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 29. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is using science to better understand this problem and develop programs and policies that will change behavior to keep drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians safe on the road every day.

CDC has identified motor vehicle crashes as a winnable battle. With additional effort and support for evidence-based, cost-effective strategies that we can implement now, we will have a significant impact on people’s health at home and abroad.

The motor vehicle injuries briefing folder provides a snapshot of the context and background for this priority area, as well as descriptions of some of the systems, policy, and programmatic interventions pursued by CDC and our public health partners at the global, federal, state and local levels. This information will be updated periodically as new data or relevant information becomes available.

For more information or if you have questions about the materials provided here, please contact adprogram@cdc.gov

Motor Vehicle Injuries Briefing Materials:

• Introduction letter from CDC Director Dr. Thomas R. Frieden [PDF - 80KB]
• PowerPoint slides, which can be tailored for use at the federal, state and local levels by adding specific data, case studies, and other useful information [PPT - 2.36MB]
• Summary of major related published articles [PDF - 308KB]
• Vital Signs
  • Adult Seat Belt Use in the U.S.
  • Drinking and Driving: A Threat to Everyone

Supplemental materials include:

• Fact sheets
  • Save Lives, Save Dollars. Prevent motor vehicle–related injuries. [PDF - 258KB]
  • Eight Danger Zones For Teens Behind The Wheel [PDF - 1.34MB]
  • Child Booster Seat Research Saves Lives [PDF - 105KB]
  • PARENTS: Get the Facts on Safe Teen Driving [PDF - 1.27MB]
  • Pediatrician Tip Sheet: Pediatricians and Safe Teen Driving [PDF - 1.56MB]
  • Work-related Roadway Crashes: Prevention Strategies for Employers
  • Improved Safety for Truck Drivers: Designing Safer Cabs Based on Driver Body Dimensions
  • NIOSH Research Leads to a Reduction in Safety Hazards Among Ambulance Service Workers and Emergency Responders
• Policy briefs
  • Policy Impact: Impaired Driving
  • Policy Impact: Seat Belts
  • Policy Impact: Teen Driver Safety
  • CDC Recommendations for Improving Health through Transportation Policy [PDF - 93KB]
• Snapshot of major media coverage [PDF - 84KB]
• Scientific articles
  • MMWR: Drivers Aged 16 or 17 Years Involved in Fatal Crashes — United States, 2004–2008
  • Effects of Upgraded Child Restraint Law Designed to Increase Booster Seat Use in New York
  • MMWR: Occupational Highway Transportation Deaths – United States, 2003-2008
• Community Guide Recommendations
  • Motor Vehicle-related Injury Prevention
• Additional materials
  • State-based Costs of Deaths from Motor Vehicle Crashes
  • 10 Leading Causes of Death by Age Group, 2007 [PDF - 408KB]
  • 10 Leading Causes of Injury Deaths by Age Group, 2007 [PDF - 45KB]
  • 10 Leading Causes of Nonfatal Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments, 2008 [PDF - 43KB]