The leading cause of death among teens, particularly those aged 15 to 19 in the United States, is accidents or unintentional injuries, with motor vehicle crashes being the most significant contributor within this category
. Unintentional injuries account for about 37% of teen deaths, and motor vehicle accidents make up over one-third of all teen deaths
. Other major causes include homicide (often driven by firearms) and suicide, which are the second and third leading causes of death respectively among teenagers
. Firearms have become a leading specific cause of death in recent years, with gun violence surpassing car crashes in some age groups and contexts, especially among younger teens and young adults
. In summary:
- Leading cause: Accidents/unintentional injuries (especially motor vehicle crashes)
- Second: Homicide (largely firearm-related)
- Third: Suicide
This pattern is consistent across multiple data sources including the CDC, WHO, and other public health organizations
