King County has seen a dramatic drop in injury deaths from traffic crashes, drowning, falls and burns. From 2000 to 2009, the rate of death from injuries for children 19 and younger declined by 62 percent.

In King County, 22 children died from injuries in 2009, down from 55 in 2000.

“Child injuries” refers to unintentional injuries that occur among children and teens 0-19 years.

On a national level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that child deaths from injuries declined 29 percent from 2000 to 2009.

In King County, traffic-related child deaths declined from 35 in 2000 to 11 in 2009.

The number of children who drowned in King County also has been steadily declining. Five children drowned in 2000 and only one in 2009.

Despite this, injuries remain a leading cause of death locally and nationally, and new challenges persist.

Accidental poisonings, including teenagers overdosing prescription drugs, are a growing concern.

For more information, go to www.kingcounty.gov/health