Which age group is most susceptible to unintentional injuries?

Children aged 1 to 4 years are most susceptible to unintentional injuries due to several developmental factors. At this age, children are extremely curious and are beginning to explore their environment. This exploration often leads them to engage in behaviors that can result in accidents. They are not yet fully aware of dangers, such as traffic, water hazards, or the risk of falls, which makes them particularly vulnerable.

Cognitive and motor skills development are in a crucial stage during these years, leading to behaviors like climbing, running, and playing without understanding the consequences. Additionally, children in this age group often have limited impulse control and may not recognize hazardous situations.

In contrast, infants under 1 year are generally less mobile and are usually only at risk in specific environments, such as their homes, but they are not as actively exploring as older toddlers. Children aged 5 to 9 years begin to develop better motor skills and can recognize some dangers, reducing the overall likelihood of unintentional injuries. Adolescents may engage in riskier behaviors, but they usually have a greater understanding of safety compared to toddlers. Thus, the highest risk for unintentional injuries is observed in the 1 to 4-year age group.