National Injury Prevention Day illuminates the burden of injury and violence in our community

November 17, 2021.Reading time 7 minutes.

Image of a man looking at his phone while driving

National Injury Prevention Day, November 18, 2021, shines a light on a key public health and safety issue.

DATA DIVE: WHAT OUR LATEST NUMBERS SHOW ABOUT FIREARM SUICIDE IN KING COUNTY

May 10, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

Review our injury prevention team’s latest data release on firearm deaths in Seattle and King County, and you’ll find our most recent analysis of firearm deaths (both homicides and suicides). It looks at the data by geography, demographics, and over time in great detail, and we hope that this will help community and Public Health as they work to prevent gun violence.

WEED Like You to Get Home Safe: this Weekend & Always

April 17, 2019.Reading time 2 minutes.

This weekend includes a HIGHLY anticipated day for some. While it’s legal to use cannabis, it is not legal to drive under the influence—if your plans include celebrating, you also need plans for a safe ride home.

How to stay independent, prevent falls

September 25, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

It’s Fall Prevention Week! And before you panic, no, Public Health is not trying to take away your pumpkin spice. We’re talking about the other kind of fall. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury and deaths, unintentional injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Our fall prevention team works one-on-one with seniors […]

Everything you need to know about Washington’s new distracted driving law

July 11, 2017.Reading time 1 minute.

The new Washington state distracted driving law goes into effect July 23. Breaking this law could result in a $136 ticket (subsequent offenses within a five-year period jump to $235) or worse – a collision. Not sure what is and is not okay? We’ve laid it out for you. Drivers may not use hand-held cell […]

Study shows all-ages helmet law improves safety without deterring riders

November 21, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

By Christina Yantsides The King County Board of Health (BOH) All-Ages Bicycle Helmet Law requires that anyone riding a bicycle, regardless of age, must wear a helmet (for more on the history and specifics of the law, read this). Public Health is a strong supporter of helmet laws, which are an important strategy to prevent […]