Fatal injuries in adolescents.

Injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among adolescents. Adolescents routinely experiment with high-risk behaviors, increasing their risk of injury. Major modes of injury in adolescents include motor vehicle collisions, drowning, suicide and homicide. This article reviews the risk factors for fatal injuries in adolescents and discusses current prevention strategies. Previous research identifies many risk factors associated with adolescent injuries. Practitioners can help prevent teen injuries by screening all adolescent patients and identifying those at high risk of injury. Patients at high risk need preventive counseling and evaluation for possible referral to other services. Current strategies are useful in preventing many injuries; however, further research is needed to evaluate these strategies and to design new prevention programs.