Accidental Deaths

The estimated accidental death total in the United States last year fell to 88,000, its lowest level since 1924, the National Safety Council said. The 1991 total was down from 93,000 the year before.

Most of the decline came in the motor vehicle category, which still accounts for roughly half of all accidental deaths nationwide. The next-biggest improvement came in work-related deaths, which totaled 9,900 last year--the lowest since the council began making such estimates nearly 60 years ago. The declines were attributed to safety advances along with the recession, which apparently caused people to drive less at night and on weekends, the most hazardous times on the road.

ACCIDENTAL DEATHS BY CATEGORY

Accidental Deaths in 1991

Total: 88,000

Motor Vehicle: 43,500

Home: 20,500

Public *: 18,000

Work: 9,900

Accidental Deaths in 1990

Total: 93,000

Motor Vehicle: 46,800

Home: 21,000

Public *: 18,500

Work: 10,600

Note: In the category-by-category breakdown of accidental deaths, some are counted twice. For instance, someone who died in a car crash while making deliveries for an employer would be counted in both the motor vehicle and workplace categories. Consequently, the accidental death totals are less than the sum of the categories.

* Accidental deaths in public places do not include deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents.

Estimated Work-Related Accidental Deaths

1980: 13,200

1991: 9,900

Source: National Safety Council of Itasca, Ill.