What is the leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24?

The leading cause of death for individuals aged 15 to 24 is accidents. This category often includes various types of unintentional injuries, such as car crashes, falls, drowning, and other incidents that result from risky behaviors typical of this age group.

Accidents account for a significant portion of mortality in young people, reflecting both lifestyle choices and the increased independence they often experience during this developmental stage. Underlying factors such as inexperience, a tendency toward risk-taking, and sometimes substance use contribute to the high rates of accidental deaths in this demographic.

While drunk driving is a specific type of accident that poses serious dangers, particularly for young drivers, it is part of a broader category of accidents and does not encompass all the accidental fatalities occurring in this age group. Similarly, drug overdose and suicide are critical issues affecting youth, but statistically, they do not surpass accidents in terms of leading causes of death for this specific age range.