The Most Dangerous States: How Does Texas Rate?
Did you ever wonder if you live in a dangerous state
? Probably not right? Youve heard of dangerous neighborhoods, of course, and dangerous cities. But how can a state be dangerous?
A recent report published by the Trust for Americas Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation aims to shed some light on that issue. The report was developed in partnership with injury prevention experts from the Safe States Alliance and the Society for the Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR).
Facts Hurt: A State-by-State Injury Prevention Policy Report examines state consumer safety regulations and how their existence can play a role in keeping people safe. The reports writers studied the statistics on accidental injuries in each state and mapped that data against the existence of state safety regulations, including those covering automobile seatbelt usage, child booster seats, motorcycle and bicycle helmets, drunk driving. The organization also examined less obvious public safety regulations such as domestic violence, teen bullying, and school sports.
Injuries that result from accidents or violence account for 12,000 child and teenage deaths per year, and are the third leading cause of death nationally for people age 1 to 44. Each year, 50 million people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment, and 2.5 million are hospitalized.
The reports key findings:
29 states do not require bicycle helmets for children
17 states do not require that a child ride in a booster seat in an automobile until the age of eight
31 states do not require motorcycle helmets
34 states do not require mandatory ignition locks for convicted drunk drivers
18 states do not have mandatory seatbelt laws
The report also makes recommendations for states to improve their injury prevention policies. It states, "By adopting policies and laws based on these proven approaches, policymakers can help lower the number of injuries in their states, counties and cities."
The two states that ranked at the top of the list, with 9 points out of a possible 10, were New York and California. The two lowest-ranked states, with only 2 points, were Montana and Ohio.
Texas ranks right in the middle of the country, with a score of 5. It ranks as the 33rd highest in terms of number of injury-related deaths, or the 34th percentile. The state received points for its mandatory seatbelt and child booster seat regulations, as well as its strong concussion policies for school sports. Texas lost points for its lack of drunk-driver ignition lock policy, its lack of motorcycle and bicycle helmet usage regulations, and its lack of policy regarding teen violence.
The report also points out up-and-coming safety concerns that should be addressed by states, including texting while driving and the misuse of prescription medications.
In conclusion, according to the reports authors, millions of injuries could be prevented each year if states adopted more of these proven policies, and if those policies were fully implemented and enforced.
The report is detailed, but very easy to read and understand. There are many ideas that you can use as an individual to keep yourself and your family safer, and that you can bring forward to your community.
by: Leslie R. Wright
Choose Nice Prom Dresses Would Be Able To Make Them Shinning Hot Air Ballooning Hot Air Balloon Rides Wear Suitable Prom Dresses Instead Of Beautiful But Unsuitable Dress Sally Beresford Antiques The Particular Underside Fit On The Waist That Is Certainly The Biggest Reason You Should Simply Do Unemployment Benefits Increase The Unemployment Rate? As Well As Essential To Select A Bikinis Swimsuit Make Your Holiday Memorable With Brisbane Car Tips In Finding A Nashville Dentist Get The Most Out Of Your Brisbane Holiday With Hired Car You Might Really Like Any Stretch Your Muscles