Violence and Risk-Taking: Day 2 Accidents and Risks

Definitions Health: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease. Safety: The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, hurt, injury, or loss

Risks Risk: A situation involving exposure to danger. The possibility that something unpleasant or unwelcome will happen. It is the probability that a hazard will turn into a disaster Risk management: Process for identifying, assessing and prioritizing risks of different kinds. Once risks are identified, one can create a plan to minimize or eliminate the impact of negative events.

Accidental Deaths Accident An unexpected event that causes damage, injury, or death. Accidental deaths is the 5th highest cause of death in Canada The leading cause of death in Canada for people between the ages of 1 and 34 is unintentional death. (statistics Canada, Ranking and number of deaths for the 10 leading causes by age group, Canada, 2004)

Accidental Death For the age group of 15-24 the leading cause of accidental death will be automobile accidents. Why do you think this is the case?

Risks and Carelessness Some accidental deaths are caused by things that people have no control over such as earthquakes or other natural disasters. Most accidents result from the actions, or inactions, of people. In many cases a person’s behaviour may greatly affect their chances of being involved in an accident. Understanding why accidents occur can help you avoid them.

Taking Risks Many everyday activities involve risk. Example: Crossing a busy street. The chances of being hit if you pay attention and follow the traffic laws and signals

Taking Risks The taking of unnecessary risks can greatly increase your chances of being injured. Example: Dodging traffic to cross the street Increases the chance of injury Consuming drugs and alcohol Increases the chance of injury by impairing a person’s ability to make good judgements, altering perceptions and impeding normal physical skills.

Taking Risks The high number of accidents because of these substances is related to the reason why younger people take more risks than older people Risks can be minimized by making responsible decisions. Increased risk taking among teens may also be due to the underdeveloped Pre-Frontal Cortex! This is the logic centre of the brain which is not fully developed until the age of 18

Being Careless There is a difference between being risky and being careless. Carelessness is a lack of concern about the possible effects of one’s actions, or not paying attention while doing a task. Carelessness can lead to accidents that were avoidable.

Safety and Behaviour Avoiding unnecessary risks and being attentive are important to your safety. Safety Awareness – Knowledge about risks and how to reduce them.

Why do people lack safety awareness? Ignorance and lack of caution can lead to dangerous situations. The lack of caution often stems from the feeling that “it can’t happen to me”. The use of alcohol and other drugs increases risky behaviour and carelessness. A person is more likely to attempt a dangerous act if they are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Why do people lack safety awareness? A person’s emotional state can also contribute to risky behaviour. Anger will often cause people to act on impulse with little to no regard for what might happen. Depression can cause a person to be indifferent to personal safety which could lead to an accident.

Peer pressure can influence individuals to take unnecessary risks. Daring a person to perform a stunt that could result in death.   Personal responsibility is the key to avoiding accidents.

Analyzing Your Safety Awareness To analyse your safety awareness and behaviour, answer the following questions below. 1. How many times in the past month did you ride with or drive a motorized vehicle while after using drugs or consuming alcohol?   O times 1-3 Times 4-6 Times 7-10 Times 11-20 Times Over 20 times

Analyzing Your Safety Awareness 2. Did you wear a seatbelt the last time you road in an automobile? Yes No Don’t Remember

How often do you wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, ATV or snow machine? Never Rarely Sometimes Usually Always

4. How often do you warm up before exercising? Never Rarely Sometimes Usually Always

5. How often do you swim alone or in a restricted or unsupervised area? Never Sometimes

Questions What is the leading cause of death for Canadians between the ages of 1 and 34. Name and describe two factors that contribute to avoidable accidents. In your opinion, why do so many teenagers take so many risks vs the rest of the population. Back up your reasoning with examples. What are 3 risk taking behaviours that are commonly seen here in Grey Highlands? What could be done to make the behaviours safer? What are your thoughts on driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol? Is this something that should be taken more seriously here in Flesherton? If so, why?