This Kids Count report uses data from the Arkansas Department of Health to examine statewide trends in child safety. The findings suggested that in 1996, about one-third of child deaths in Arkansas were due to non-natural causes, with substantial racial and sex differences. Causes such as accidents, homicides, and suicides were more common for non-whites and for males than for whites and females, and accounted for about 37 percent of all child and youth deaths. Traffic accidents accounted for about 30 percent of trauma-related injuries in emergency room hospital admissions, followed by accidental falls (28 percent), and other accidents, such as machinery or firearm accidents (19 percent). The leading cause of injury was accidental falls from one level to another involving playground equipment, cliffs, or beds, accounting for nearly 20 percent of all hospital visits; motor vehicle traffic accidents accounted for 11 percent, and traffic collisions with pedestrians, 7 percent. Boys were more likely than girls to have injuries related to rough play, aggression, falls, or firearms. Blacks were more likely than whites to have injuries from falls or firearms, and less likely to be injured in accidents with off-road vehicles. Child maltreatment was the leading cause of injury for infants. Firearm accidents were more common among older than younger children. Children most likely to die in auto accidents were 15 to 19 years old; a large portion of auto accident injuries were due to not using seat belts. The report concludes by identifying research and policy analysis needs. (KB)