2003: Traffic accidents kill many American Indians under age 44

The Indian Health Service reports that American Indians/Alaska Natives are two to four times more likely to die in car accidents than other Americans. These Injuries account for 41 percent of productive life lost for the population. The Indian Health Service and American Indian tribes spend more than $350 million annually in treating traffic injuries, which are often caused by drunk driving.

Risk factors that contribute to the disproportionate rate of car accident injuries include: American Indians/Alaska Natives have a greater proportion of young adults compared with other Americans; they are more likely to live in rural environments that lack safe roads; and they are involved in more alcohol-related car accidents.

Theme

Epidemics, Federal-Tribal Relations

Region

Arctic, California, Great Basin, Great Plains, Northeast, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southeast, Southwest, Subarctic