Injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally
Approximately 5.8 million deaths annually
90% occur in lower and middle income countries
Injuries are the leading cause of preventable death in travelers
Cause 18%–24% of deaths among U.S. travelers
From 2011-2013, an estimated 2,466 US citizens traveling in foreign countries died from non-natural causes, such as injuries and violence
Excluded the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
Main causes for non-natural deaths among Americans are:
Motor vehicle crashes (n= 621, 25%)- the single largest cause
Homicide (n=555, 23%),
Suicide (n=392, 16%),
Drowning (n=309, 13%)
Bottom Line: Stay safe while travelling. The same safety habits used in the US, such as wearing your seatbelt or not drinking and driving, are important patterns while traveling.
