Since 1991, unintentional injuries have ranked as the fifth leading cause of death behind heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke. As shown in the top graph on the facing page, deaths in the United States are dominated by heart disease and cancer. The next three causes, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, and unintentional injuries, look almost insignificant in comparison. These three causes combined account for fewer deaths than cancer alone. Given this reality, why are organizations like the National Safety Council focused on preventing unintentional injuries
