Total number of unintentional-injury-related deaths in the U.S. 1930-2023

Unintentional injuries claimed the lives of

Americans in 2023, marking a slight decrease from the previous year. This figure represents a significant public health concern. While heart disease and cancer typically top the list of mortality causes, unintentional injuries were the leading cause of death in 2023.

Poisoning emerges as a major contributor

Among the various types of unintentional injuries, poisoning stands out as a particularly deadly threat. In 2023, approximately

deaths were attributed to unintentional poisoning, accounting for nearly half of all accident-related fatalities. That year, the death rate due to poisoning reached per 100,000 population. Unintentional drug overdose deaths account for a majority of poisoning deaths in the United States, with opioids, and in particular fentanyl, currently fueling these high numbers. 

Home safety remains a critical concern

The home environment, often considered a safe haven, continues to be a significant site for unintentional injury-related deaths. In 2021 and 2022, the rate of such fatalities occurring at home peaked at

per 100,000 population. Most unintentional injury deaths at home occur among elderly people, with falls accounting for the majority of such deaths among this age group.