Gun deaths outnumbered motor-vehicle deaths in Oregon in 2011, study shows

Oregon was one of 14 states where gun deaths outpaced motor vehicle deaths in 2011, according to a study by the Violence Policy Center.

Data was compiled from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

This marks the third year the Violence Policy Center has issued an annual report comparing gun deaths to motor vehicle deaths by state. The center is a nonprofit organization working to stop gun death and injury.

Oregon's number of gun deaths also exceeded its motor vehicle deaths in 2009 and 2010, according to the center.

Gun deaths include suicide by firearm, homicides, and fatal unintentional shootings. Motor vehicle deaths include both vehicle occupants and pedestrians.

Firearm and motor vehicle deaths , from 1999 to 2011

The 13 other states where gun deaths exceeded motor vehicle deaths in 2011 were: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington state, as well as the District of Columbia.

In Oregon in 2011, there were 420 gun-related deaths, compared to 371 motor vehicle-related deaths, according to the center's study.

Nationwide, in 2011, there were 32,351 gun deaths and 35,543 motor vehicle deaths nationwide. In 1999, there were 28,874 gun deaths and 42,624 motor vehicle deaths.

-- Maxine Bernstein

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