Many of us have been there before—near the top of a ladder, stretching just a little farther to finish the job. Maybe we are cleaning a gutter, hanging Christmas lights, or rescuing a cat from a tree. There is always the temptation to climb one rung higher to reach that final spot.
According to CDC data from 2022, accidents are the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer. For those ages 1–44, accidents are the leading cause of death. These unintentional injuries include poisonings and overdoses, falls, and motor vehicle crashes. The leading causes vary by age. Motor vehicle crashes have historically been the most common cause for teenagers and young adults, though firearms became the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1–19 in 2020. Poisonings are a major cause of death in both very young children and middle-aged adults.
For adults over age 65, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury. A common and devastating scenario occurs when an older adult falls and breaks a hip, setting off a cascade of complications that can lead to hospitalization, loss of independence, nursing home placement, and even death.
So what can we do to reduce the risk of accidents? Some of the advice may sound like common sense—or like something a responsible parent would say—but it matters. To prevent motor vehicle crashes, avoid driving while impaired, overly tired, or distracted by your phone. Always wear a seatbelt. Drive defensively, obey traffic laws, and adjust your speed for weather and road conditions. If conditions are poor, the safest choice may be to stay home.
Firearms should be locked securely, stored separately from ammunition, and kept out of reach of children and individuals at risk of harming themselves. Education, proper training, and safety courses are essential.
To reduce poisonings, store medications, cleaning products, and chemicals in their original containers and out of sight and reach. Dispose of expired medications properly, and always read and follow labels carefully. Avoid illegal substances altogether.
Finally, falls can sometimes be prevented. Avoid ladders if you have balance issues, and never stand on the top steps. Make sure ladders are secure and have someone assist when possible. To prevent ground-level falls, especially in older adults, remove clutter, improve lighting, install grab bars and handrails, use non-slip mats, wear proper footwear, and address vision, hearing, and balance issues.
Accidents are not always random. Many are preventable with awareness, preparation, and a willingness to slow down. The lesson is simple: don’t take the extra step on the ladder, but do take the extra step to prepare and protect yourself and others from injury
Dr. Andrew Ellsworth is a Family Medicine Physician at Avera Medical Group Brookings in Brookings, SD. He serves as one of the Prairie Doc Volunteer Hosts during its 24th Season providing Health Education Based on Science, Built on Trust. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tik Tok. Prairie Doc Programming includes On Call with the Prairie Doc®, a medical Q&A show (most Thursdays at 7pm, YouTube and streaming on Facebook), 2 podcasts, and a Radio program (on SDPB, Sundays at 6am and 1pm).
