Final answer:
The claim that firearms are the second leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. is false. The leading causes of accidental deaths are historically motor vehicle accidents and drug overdoses, particularly from heroin and opioid painkillers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the second leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. is from firearms is false. Historically, the leading causes of accidental deaths have been motor vehicle accidents and accidental poisonings, which include drug overdoses. Data shows that in 1999, there were significantly more accidental deaths from motor vehicle accidents compared to drug overdoses. However, by 2014 the trend had reversed, and there were around 40 percent more accidental deaths from drug overdoses than car crashes. These overdose deaths were largely attributed to heroin and opioid painkillers.
While firearms deaths do occur and are a concern in the United States, they do not rank as the second leading cause of accidental death. It is important to recognize that disorders of the Skeletal System, such as head and traumatic brain injuries, contribute to a significant portion of injury-related deaths. Falls are cited as the most common reason for these injuries, and they affect various age groups. Additionally, in workplace settings, homicide is a leading cause of death, especially for women, with many incidents related to domestic violence situations.
Overall, the perception of the probability of dying from violent crimes, such as shootings, may be overestimated by the public due in part to the media coverage of such events. Also, the ongoing debate surrounding accessibility of firearms in relation to mass shootings brings forth valid concerns over gun control policies. However, this does not alter the fact that firearms are not the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States.