Injuries and violent acts, such as suicide, falls, motor vehicle crashes, sexual assault, and drug overdoses are a major public health issue.  In addition, millions of people are treated in emergency rooms or hospitalized due to injuries and violent acts each year.  Injury and violence cross all boundaries and can affect anyone; regardless of age, sex, race or socioeconomic background. While injury and violence have a significant burden, they are also largely preventable.  Recognizing the social and economic burden of injury and violence is critical to determine the appropriate level of intervention and investment into prevention activities.

In Arkansas, motor vehicle crashes are the most common cause of accidental death.  In 2016, over 650 people in Arkansas died from motor vehicle accidents. Fortunately, the death rate from motor vehicle crashes has been decreasing over the past several years. During this same time, the use of seat belts in Arkansas has been increasing.