WASHINGTON - September 21, 2007 - With a recent National Safety Council report citing a dramatic increase in accidental death rates, the United States Senate has passed a resolution declaring June as National Safety Month.

Co-sponsored by Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and John Sununu (R-NH), the resolution called June "an appropriate time to focus attention on injury risks and preventions" due to the expected "increased in accidental injuries and fatalities" that typically accompany the summer months. The bipartisan support from the Senate aims to promote and bolster the efforts of the National Safety Council in their campaign to promote safety and awareness.

"The number of accidental deaths and unintentional injuries is staggering," said Senator Pryor. "With this resolution, we hope to increase awareness of these devastating numbers and the important work of the National Safety Council and their efforts to educate Americans on the basic preventive measures that can save lives."

"Summer's arrival marks the beginning of an active season. As millions of Americans take to the road, water and outdoors, it is critical that they maintain a strong sense of personal safety," said Senator Sununu. "The Senate's unanimous approval of this resolution highlights the national importance of taking essential safety precautions this summer and all year. By raising awareness, we can help avoid preventable injuries and deaths."

The resolution stated that, "the people of the United States deserve to live in communities that promote safe and healthy living." And that "even with advancements in safety that create a safer environment for the people of the United States such as new legislation and improvements in technology, the number of unintentional injuries remains unacceptable."

NSC President Alan C. McMillan praised the Senate for passing this resolution, "We applaud the Senate for drawing attention to this silent epidemic. We know from research that awareness plays a huge role in reducing the risk of injury and that changes in behavior and basic preventive measures can save lives. This action by the Senate will help communities across America realize the importance of working together to create a culture of safety where zero injuries is an achievable goal."

According the report released earlier this month by the NSC, accidental deaths in the United States are rising at an alarming rate, more than 20 percent over a 10-year period, reaching 113,000 deaths in 2005, according to the latest data available. The NSC warns that at the current rate, the nation’s all-time high of 116,385 accidental deaths, set in 1969, could be surpassed in the next few years.

Nationally motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of injury-related death in the country. Driver behaviors including speeding, distractions and impairment, as well as not wearing seatbelts, contribute significantly to motor vehicle injuries and fatalities.

Poisoning - particularly from overdoses of over-the-counter, prescription and illicit drugs - is now the fastest-rising cause of accidental death with a 5 percent increase last year alone. Deaths from falls rank third, with choking and drowning rounding out the top five. These five leading causes account for 83 percent of all accidental deaths.

The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, public service organization. Members of the NSC include businesses, labor organizations, schools, public agencies, private groups and individuals. Founded in 1913 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1953, the National Safety Council is committed to preventing accidental injuries in the workplace, on roads and highways, and in homes and communities.

National Safety Council

National Safety Council

The National Safety Council is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, international public service organization. Members of the NSC include businesses, labor organization, schools, public agencies, private groups and individuals. Founded in 1913 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1953, the National Safety Council is committed to preventing accidental injuries in the workplace, on roads and highways, and in homes and communities.

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