Final answer:
The correct statement about unintentional injuries and death is that they occur without the intent to cause harm. Safety measures can reduce their occurrence, disproving the notion that their incidence cannot be lowered. Motor vehicle accidents once led to more accidental deaths than drug overdoses, but now the latter, especially opioid overdoses, have become more prevalent causes. Therefore, the correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question regarding unintentional injuries and death is: b) They occur without the intent to cause harm. Unintentional injuries, such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, happen unexpectedly and are not done with malicious intent. Contrary to some of the other options, unintentional injuries can indeed lead to death, and their incidence can be reduced through various safety measures and precautions.
Motor vehicle accidents have historically been a significant cause of unintentional injury and death. Though there was a time when motor vehicle crashes led to more accidental deaths than drug overdoses, this trend has reversed. Currently, issues such as opioid painkiller overdoses have become prominent causes of accidental deaths, surpassing vehicle-related fatalities in recent years.
Furthermore, it is important to note that head injuries, often resulting from falls, are a major concern in unintentional injuries and may lead to death or long-term disability. This type of injury is particularly common in certain demographics, including young children, adolescents, and the elderly. Implementing safety measures like seat belts in vehicles, helmets during risky activities, and Fall Prevention Programs for the elderly can help reduce the incidence of these injuries.