Report rates states on injury prevention efforts

Washington – Twenty-four states scored 5 out of 10 or lower on a set of 10 indicators that determined good injury prevention policies and programs, according to a study released May 22 by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Researchers interviewed key injury prevention experts throughout the United States to develop the 10 indicators – which included laws regarding booster seat, safety belt, and motorcycle and bicycle helmet use – and then evaluated each state. Among the findings:

• California and New York had the highest scores with 9 out of 10, and Montana and Ohio both scored 2 out of 10.
• New Mexico has the highest injury-related fatality rate at 97.9 per 100,000 citizens, and New Jersey has the lowest rate at 36.1. The national rate is 57.9.
• About 60 percent of states do not require helmets for child bicyclists or adult motorcyclists.

Based on these results, the study sponsors suggested states adopt proven injury prevention strategies, including helmet and safety belt laws, roadway safety programs, and school violence prevention strategies.