Violent deaths as a leading cause of mortality: an epidemiologic study of suicide, homicide, and accidents

Abstract

In the USA violent deaths (suicide, homicide and accidents) are the leading cause of death in people aged 1-39 yr and the 3rd leading cause of death for people of all ages. Violent death rates have tended to decrease since 1900. Among 15-24 yr olds, however, the violent death rate is currently the highest ever recorded in this country; suicide and homicide rates among people aged 5-14 yr and 15-24 yr are as high or higher than any previous recordings. The quantity of expected life lost through violent deaths is greater than that for any other cause of death.