• Injuries are the leading cause of death among Canadian children
  
  
• 3 people die every day in Canada as a result of workplace injury
  
  
• 30 percent of independent living seniors fall at least once a year
  

Cyclists: Did You Know?

1. It's the law to have lights & reflectors, a bell or a horn and reflective tape on your bike.
2. If you are under 18, it's the law to wear a helmet at all times when cycling.
3. Bicycles are considered vehicles and cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users.
4. Helmets are strongly recommended for cyclists of all ages to protect you from serious injury.
5. A bike helmet must be worn properly to be effective. Never wear a damaged helmet.

Click here Check Your Bike Helmet!

Motorists: Did You Know?

1. Cyclists are expected to ride on the right, but they can use any part of the lane if their safety warrants it.
2. Generally cyclists need a meter on either side of them. Do not pass to close, change lanes to pass if needed.
3. Check your blind spot when opening a car door.
4. When turning right, check the curb to avoid cutting off a cyclist.
5. Remember that children cyclists are especially hard to see.

Hamilton-Wentworth Health Issues Report, 2000

Deaths

In Hamilton-Wentworth, injury was the leading cause of death in children and youth and the fourth leading cause of death for people of all ages in 1996.

In 1996, injury deaths (204) were most often caused by falls (32%), suicide (21%) and motor vehicle collisions (12%) in Hamilton-Wentworth. In Hamilton-Wentworth, motor vehicle collisions were a major cause of injury-related deaths among males aged 20 to 24 years (Figure 11). Deaths due to falls occurred more frequently in people aged 65 years and over and suicides more frequently among people aged 35 to 64 years in 1996.

Between 1989 and 1996 in Hamilton-Wentworth, the percentage of injury-related deaths due to motor vehicle collisions decreased from 23% to 12%, as did the percentage due to suicides (23% to 21%), while the percentage due to falls increased (21% to 32%).

Figure 11. Age and Sex Specific Mortality Rates Due to Motor Vehicle Collisions by Age Group and Sex, Hamilton-Wentworth, 1994-1996. Rate per 100,000 population.

The evidence on teen suicide prevention is mixed indicating both beneficial and harmful effects for some participants. Thus, there is insufficient evidence to support the implementation of school-based curriculum suicide prevention programs for teens.

Hospital Utilization

In Hamilton-Wentworth in 1997, 3,508 hospital separations and 50,732 days spent in hospital were due to injury-related causes (non-health care related). Among Hamilton-Wentworth and Central West Ontario people of all ages, falls were the most common cause of injury-related hospitalization in 1997 followed by attempted suicide and motor vehicle collisions (Figure 12).

Figure 12. Rate of Hospital Separations Due to Motor Vehicle Collisions, Suicide Attempts and Falls, Hamilton-Wentworth and Central West Ontario, 1997

• Seniors had the highest rates of hospitalization (and death) due to injury compared to other age groups in Hamilton-Wentworth and Central West Ontario in 1997.
• Among people aged 14 years or less and 25 years and over, falls were the most frequent reason for hospitalization due to injury in Hamilton-Wentworth in 1997.
• Among people aged 15 to 24 years, attempted suicide was the most frequent cause of injury-related hospitalization in Hamilton-Wentworth in 1997.

Between 1989 and 1997 in Hamilton-Wentworth, there was a decrease in the percentage of injury-related hospital separations due to motor vehicle collisions (8% to 4%), attempted suicides (6% to 4%), and falls (25% to 22%).

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