America Is One Hurtin’ Nation

pojoslaw/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — It’s awfully easy to get hurt these days, judging by the 2014 Injury Facts compiled by the National Safety Council.

Here are some of the more interesting facts about the danger we put ourselves in on a daily basis:

• Poisonings are the leading cause of death in 18 states. The situation has been exacerbated by the growing fondness for prescription painkillers such as Vicodin, Oxycontin and Percocet.

• Cellphones and driving don’t mix since they play a part in 26 percent of all vehicular accidents. Yet, it’s talking, not texting, that’s the main culprit. Twenty-one percent of accidents involve talking, either with handheld or hands-free phones. Five percent can be pinned on texting.

• The most costly lost-time workers’ compensation claims are related to head injuries or those to the central nervous system.

• The number of elderly people getting injured from falls has risen 112 percent since 1999.

Copyright 2014 ABC News Radio