Final answer:
a. true
The statement that there are more accidental deaths from poisoning than from drowning in the U.S. is true, with drug overdoses surpassing deaths from traffic accidents since 2014.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement in the question is true. In the United States, there has been a significant shift in the causes of accidental deaths over time. While in 1999, motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of such deaths, by 2014, drug overdoses became the prevalent cause, surpassing deaths caused by car crashes. Moreover, drowning, while a serious concern, especially for children, does not account for more accidental deaths than poisoning. Accidental poisoning can occur from everyday substances and products, and the majority of drug overdose deaths have been linked to substances like heroin and opioid painkillers.
It is important to note that public perception of risks can sometimes be skewed. For instance, people may overestimate the probability of dying through scenarios like criminal attacks because such stories are vivid and often reported in the media. This could similarly apply to perceptions about drowning compared to poisoning.