Suicide now kills more Americans than car crashes. That's according to a new study by the American Journal of Public Health.
It's so shocking that some of the people who we spoke with say they don't believe it. The author of the study says the problem is much worse than the data would lead us to believe it is.
A new study from the American Journal of Public Health says more people will die from suicide than in a car wreck.
"Surprising although not too surprising, cars are safer now," believes Leah Pearlman-Storch.
She's right. Higher car manufacturing standards were credited for the decrease in car crash deaths. Stricter underage drinking and failing to wear seat belt penalties also brought those numbers down.
"That's surprising actually really surprising,” commented Antonia Gale. “I would think it would be the opposite way."
The study found between 2000 and 2009, the death rate for suicide went up 15 percent while it decreased 25 percent for car wrecks.
Just this morning in Oklahoma, a 13-year-old shot and killed himself in a hallway at a junior high school.
In Pennsylvania, four teens killed themselves in Luzerne County in a single week. Despite what the numbers show, some people have a hard time believing it.
"I think it's the opposite I think it's more of car wrecks than suicides,” disagreed Alexandria Johnson. “I mean especially in the downtown area, they drive crazy."
"It is a little surprising but I guess people don't want to be around anymore," commented Kerry Eppinger.
Experts say a bad economy can cause more suicides as well.
To find out how you can get help call 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ .
It's so shocking that some of the people who we spoke with say they don't believe it. The author of the study says the problem is much worse than the data would lead us to believe it is.
A new study from the American Journal of Public Health says more people will die from suicide than in a car wreck.
"Surprising although not too surprising, cars are safer now," believes Leah Pearlman-Storch.
She's right. Higher car manufacturing standards were credited for the decrease in car crash deaths. Stricter underage drinking and failing to wear seat belt penalties also brought those numbers down.
"That's surprising actually really surprising,” commented Antonia Gale. “I would think it would be the opposite way."
The study found between 2000 and 2009, the death rate for suicide went up 15 percent while it decreased 25 percent for car wrecks.
Just this morning in Oklahoma, a 13-year-old shot and killed himself in a hallway at a junior high school.
In Pennsylvania, four teens killed themselves in Luzerne County in a single week. Despite what the numbers show, some people have a hard time believing it.
"I think it's the opposite I think it's more of car wrecks than suicides,” disagreed Alexandria Johnson. “I mean especially in the downtown area, they drive crazy."
"It is a little surprising but I guess people don't want to be around anymore," commented Kerry Eppinger.
Experts say a bad economy can cause more suicides as well.
To find out how you can get help call 1-800-273-8255 or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ .