Final answer:
The second leading cause of accidental death in children 1 to 4 years of age is drowning, emphasizing the need for home safety assessments and supervision around water sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second leading cause of accidental death in children 1 to 4 years of age is drowning. This fact is underscored by the importance of assessing the home environment for potential hazards to prevent such tragic incidents.
According to the information provided, accidental drowning is not only a major concern in the United States but also a leading cause of death in children under five in low-income countries due to risk factors such as poor supervision or lack of barriers around water sources.
While local conditions, such as poverty and lack of resources, may exacerbate the risks for drowning, simple measures like never leaving children unattended around water can significantly reduce the likelihood of such accidents.