Dr. Robert Conn, a widely respected children’s heart surgeon, put down his scalpel in 1991 to found the Canadian Injury Prevention Foundation, which he later renamed SMARTRISK. Dr. Conn had come to believe that he could save many more lives by working to prevent injuries before they happen, rather than trying to repair the results. Today, after more than nine years at the head of SMARTRISK’s research and evaluation department, Philip Groff, PhD, leads the organization.

Injury is the leading cause of death for Canadians aged one to 44 years. It takes the lives of approximately 700 teenagers each year – more than all other causes of teen deaths combined. More than two million Canadians are treated for injuries each year at an economic cost of more than $19.8 billion. Yet, the great majority of these injuries are both predictable and preventable, not the result of “accidents”. While it is a leading cause of death and disability among Canadians, injury is an often invisible issue. SMARTRISK is working to change that.

The SMARTRISK philosophy starts with an understanding that risk is a part of life and that taking risk is what makes life worth living for many people. Unlike the negative messaging of traditional “safety” approaches to injury prevention, SMARTRISK programs emphasize the positive choices that can be made to reduce the risk of injury while continuing to enjoy life. We recognize that injuries are not “accidents” or unavoidable acts of fate but predictable and preventable events.

SMARTRISK’s core programs focus on reaching youth – the age group at highest risk for injury. Many teenagers feel invincible and may take risks without thinking. They often do not understand that they have the power to choose smart risk, rather than taking a risk without first thinking it through. SMARTRISK programs are centred on five simple, positive choices that can be applied to all areas of life, including driving, playing sports, even just crossing the street:

Buckle Up. Look First. Wear the Gear. Get Trained. Drive Sober.