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.

References

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/the-pre-travel-consultation/injury-prevention