A new report by the Utah Department of Health's Violence and Injury Prevention Program shows the majority of the victims - 279 men and 108 women - are living with some degree of paralysis.

Statewide, males suffered 72 percent of all spinal cord injuries, and those ages 15 to 24 were at highest risk. Motor vehicle crashes, including cars and trucks, all terrain vehicles, motorcycles and snowmobiles, caused nearly half of all spinal cord injuries in men.

During six years studied, there was an average of one motor vehicle-related spinal cord injury every 14 days. Among females, such accidents caused nearly 60 percent of the injuries to women under 60.

Falls were the leading cause of spinal injuries for males over 60. They also accounted for 74 percent of older women's injuries.

"This is due largely to osteoporosis and other medical conditions that worsen as women age," said Trisha Keller, manager of the health department's Violence and Injury Prevention Program. "Failing eyesight, balance problems and multiple medications can combine to make falling a huge threat to women and men."

Other factors:

l Suicide attempts: Of the 387 cases, 110 (28 percent) were classified as intentional, suggestive of suicide.

"This means these individuals attempted suicide, primarily by falling, and survived with a crippling spinal cord injury," said Cyndi Bemis, education coordinator for the program. "These disturbing numbers should alert all families to watch for warning signs of depression in loved ones and to get them treatment."

* Drug and alcohol use: Of the 243 patients who were checked for alcohol or drugs at the time of the injury, nearly one in five tested positive.

l High-risk sports: Nearly 24 percent of spinal cord injuries to men were sustained during high-risk sports and similar activities. Skiing and snowboarding, water sports and stunts were the most common. Eleven of the male victims were paralyzed after diving into shallow pools.

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Contact Carey Hamilton at chamilton@sltrib.com or 801-257-8605. Send comments to livingeditor@sltrib.com.

Ten ways to prevent spinal cord injuries

* Wear a seat belt and put children in the right car seat for their ages.

* Don't ride ATVs on paved roads. Don't let children ride adult ATVs.

* Don't drive drunk, drugged or drowsy.

* Don't drink while playing sports.

* Lock up firearms and store ammunition separately.

* Get help for someone with mental health problems or who is suicidal.

* Do strength and balance exercises as you age. Check with a doctor before you start.

* Get plenty of calcium for strong bones.

* Keep halls and stairs well-lit and free of clutter.

* Wear sturdy, low-heeled shoes to prevent falls.

- Source: Utah Department of Health