THE PREVENTION OF MOTOR VEHICLE-RELATED INJURIES

THE PREVENTION OF MOTOR VEHICLE-RELATED INJURIES 2

Introduction

Transportation systems, such as cars, buses, and trains, transport people and goods to

various destinations. Selection of the transportation system has an impact on the rates of

fatalities. The United States, among the developed nations, has the leading per capita proportions

of injuries linked to motor vehicle crashes. Injuries linked to motor vehicle crashes are the top

cause of deaths in people of ages of 3-34 years (CDC Motor Vehicle Safety, n.d.). In 2008,

37,261 individuals died in motor vehicle accidents. 72% of these individuals were passengers or

drivers in a motor vehicle, 14% were bikers, 12% were foot-travelers, and 2% were bicycle

users. Since 2008, the number has slightly reduced as the 35, 092 deaths were recorded in 2015

(CDC Motor Vehicle Safety, n.d.). However, continued enactment of supported strategies has

demonstrated to save a lot of money in both direct and indirect healthcare costs from automobile-

related injuries and fatalities yearly. Federal, state, and local administrations and agencies within

these governments play an important in preventing motor-vehicle related injuries. Additionally,

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health agencies perform a

critical role in reducing injuries and mortalities linked to automobile crashes.

The CDC is the federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services that

is committed to developing strategies that prevent motor vehicle-related injuries. CDC’s Injury

Center focus on critical areas and promote evidence-based strategies to improve motor vehicle

safety. The Injury Center utilizes comprehensive data structures to document and assess the cost

of motor vehicle-related injuries, classify investigation primacies, and guide policies in the

formation of effective intervention plans (CDC Motor Vehicle Safety, n.d.). The Injury Center

advocates for the use of seat belts by creating several tools that raise awareness. The Center

advises states on various tools that strengthen policies to address damages linked to motor