Traffic accidents deaths and homicides in King County fell in 2007, report says

2007 was a slightly safer year in Seattle and King County, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s office.

According to the Medical Examiners 2007 annual report, deaths due to homicide fell in King County from 91 in 2006 to 76 in 2007 and deaths due to suicide fell slightly, from 227 to 223.

Most homicides and suicides involved the use of a firearm.

Overall, there were 149 firearm deaths in 2007 of which 93 were classified as suicides, 55 as homicides, and one as an accident.

Deaths due to traffic accidents also fell, from 221 to 170, as did accidental deaths overall, dropping from 721 to 687.

Falls were most common cause of accidental death, being responsible for 292 deaths in 2007.

Of these, nearly all, 232, occurred among people age 70 and older.

The only cause of death to go up in 2007 was natural death, rising from 752 to 863.

To learn more:

• Read the King County Medical Examiner’s 2007 Annual Report.

Tags: Accidents, Death, Falls, Homicide, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Suicide, Traffic Accidents

Category: Psychology & Psychiatry, Public Health, Safety, Senior Health