Injury Prevention

Our mission is to improve Texans' health by reducing injuries.

About Us

Since 2000, injuries have been the leading cause of death in Texas for ages 1-44. From 2019-2021, 53 Texans died from injuries and violence each day. Leading injury causes are motor vehicle crashes, drug overdoses, physical violence, and falls. Injuries can cause long-term physical and mental health problems. The Injury Prevention Unit works to understand how injuries impact Texans. The injury and violence data we provide may help you reduce injuries in your communities. 

The Injury Prevention Unit contains five programs – the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Registries (EMSTR), the Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT) program, the Safe Riders Passenger Safety Program, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Texas Violent Death Reporting System (TVDRS), and our newest program, the CDC Texas Overdose Data to Action.

Our vision is to use data and public health best practices to inform injury prevention activities and programs.


Practice water safety when viewing the April 8th total solar eclipse!

Learn more about water safety during the total solar eclipse and find additional water safety and drowning prevention resources at the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and Get Parenting Tips.

Nearly 1 million people may travel to Texas to view the total solar eclipse on April 8th and nearly 13 million Texans live in the eclipse path. Since many tourists and Texans may watch the eclipse in, on, or around water, it is important to keep people safe from the potential risk of fatal and nonfatal drowning.

Time is an important concept for eclipse viewing. The longest period of totality will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds. For comparison, drowning can happen in as little as 30 seconds; it is fast and silent.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife recommends the following general boating safety tips:

  • Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
  • Avoid alcohol.
  • Be especially careful on personal watercrafts.
  • Don’t overload your boat.
  • Operate at a safe speed.
  • Always have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the operator.
  • Watch out for low water areas or submerged objects.

From the Centers Disease Control and Prevention, other general drowning prevention tips include:

  • Learn basic swimming and water safety skills.
  • Designate a responsible adult to supervise closely and constantly when children are in or near water (e.g., pools, lakes, bathtubs).
  • Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Know the risks of natural waters since lakes, rivers, and oceans have hidden hazards such as dangerous currents or waves, rocks or vegetation, and limited visibility.
  • Always swim with a buddy.

April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. Cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — has become the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating, and drinking. By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash.

Drive Responsibly

In 2021, 3,522 people in the U.S. died due to distracted driving.  April, which is national Distracted Driving Awareness Month, is a good time to regroup and take responsibility for the choices we make when we’re on the road. Follow these safety tips for a safe ride: 

  • Need to send a text? Pull over and park your car in a safe location.
  • Designate your passenger as your “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
  • Do not scroll through apps while driving. Struggling not to text and drive? Put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

Use these resources to learn more about distracted driving awareness and child passenger safety:

April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month | NHTSA

DDAM Distracted Driving Awareness Month Sign Up - National Safety Council (nsc.org)

Safe Riders Child Passenger Safety | Texas DSHS


Picture of Ambulance.

EMS & Trauma Registries (EMSTR)

Every year, the EMSTR program collects over 4 million records from EMS agencies, trauma facilities, justices of the peace, and rehabilitation facilities on spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other traumatic injuries specified in Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Chapter 103

Child being buckled in a car seat.

Safe Riders Child Passenger Safety Program

The Safe Riders Child Passenger Safety program partners with community distribution programs to provide education and child safety seats. We provide National Child Passenger Safety Certification courses with the ultimate goal of safe car rides for all Texas children.

CFRT People talking in a meeting.

Texas Child Fatality Review

The Child Fatality Review (CFRT) program tries to decrease preventable child fatalities by supporting child fatality investigations; promoting coordination with agencies involved in child fatality responses; understanding child fatality causes and incidences; recommending changes that will reduce preventable child fatalities; and suggesting changes to law, policy, or practice that will impact child safety.

Picture of caution tape.

Texas Violent Death Reporting System (TVDRS)

The Texas Violent Death Reporting System (TVDRS) program collects data from medical examiners, justices of the peace, and law enforcement reports into one database. We link the “who”, “when”, “where”, and “how” to provide insights about “why” violent deaths occurred. TVDRS will capture statewide data by 2027.

Texas Overdose Data to Action (TODA)​​​

The Texas Overdose Data to Action (TODA) program focuse​s on the changing nature of the drug overdose epidemic. We want to highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to reduce drug overdoses, deaths, and related harms.

Open Records Requests

Texas Government Code Chapter 552 relates to public information requests and disclosures. If you want to submit an Open Records Request, please send your request to one of the following designated Public Information Act portals:

  • OpenRecords@dshs.texas.gov;
  • Fax: 512-776-7720;
  • Mail:
    • DSHS Public Information Coordinator
    • MC-1919
    • 1100 West 49th Street
    • Austin, TX 78756-3101
  • Hand delivery – accepted at all Department of State Health Services office locations during business hours.

The Texas Department of State Health Services does not endorse external links to other websites. These links are informational and may not be accessible to persons with disabilities.