This Research Note examines the status of motor vehicle traffic crashes as a leading cause of death in the United States in 2000. It is based on a study, by age and sex, of the ranking of 70 causes of death which have been adopted by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This study was originally prompted by a number of unanswered questions regarding adequate background material and appropriate information pertaining to the general concept of motor vehicle traffic crashes as a leading cause of death. The table (overleaf) shows the ten leading causes of death by age. The age groups reflect categories of interest to NHTSA in terms of Child-Restraint Programs (Toddlers, Infants and Young Children), New Drivers (Youth and Young Adults), Other Adults and the Elderly. (Author/publisher)
Abstract