Throughout most of the 1980s motor vehicle deaths exceeded firearm deaths in all States except Alaska, Louisiana, and the District of Columbia. In 1990, Maryland, New York, Texas, Alaska, Louisiana, and the District of Columbia had more firearm than motor vehicle deaths. In 1991 there were more firearm deaths than motor vehicle deaths in California, Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. In Maryland, the numbers of firearm and motor vehicle deaths were identical in 1991. Among non-Hispanic white persons in 1990-91, firearm deaths exceeded motor vehicle deaths by 5 percent in Nevada. Among Hispanic persons in the 15 States that had at least 100 firearm and motor vehicle deaths in 1990-91, firearm deaths exceeded motor vehicle deaths in Illinois and Pennsylvania, and 78-80 percent of those firearm deaths were homicides. National firearm death rates for black, Hispanic, and American Indian persons 15- 34 years old were respectively, 4.7, 1.9, and 1.6 times the firearm death rate for non-Hispanic white persons (15.2 per 100,000). The firearm death rate for Asian persons was 30 percent lower than the rate for non-Hispanic white persons. Efforts to reduce motor vehicle death rates have proven successful; they have included increasing public awareness, education, legal proscriptions, innovative vehicle and equipment designs, improved roadways, and enhanced medical systems. The risks in alcohol consumption and driving are being continually addressed. Prevention strategies to reduce firearm death rates must be tried and evaluated. 4 tables and 10 references