Publication Date: December 2003
What does it say?
This study analyzes the proportion of unintentional and undetermined firearm related deaths preventable by three safety devices including personalization devices, loaded chamber indicators (LCIs), and magazine safeties.
Based on 117 unintentional or undetermined firearm deaths in two localities (Maryland and Milwaukee), the study found that one of the three devices would’ve prevented 44 percent of the deaths. Deaths involving children were 3.3 times more likely to be prevented and deaths with handguns were 8.1 times more likely to be prevented.
Guns are the only product in the United States not subject to consumer product safety regulation. Incorporating safety devices and mechanisms into firearms could save many lives.
How can I use it?
Use this study to advocate for consumer regulation of gun design to reduce the risk of unintentional shootings, in particular to children.
Citation
Vernick, JS, O’Brien M, Hepburn LM, Johnson SB, Webster DW, Hargarten SW, “Unintentional and Undetermined Firearm Related Deaths: A Preventable Death Analysis for Three Safety Devices,” Injury Prevention 9(2003):307-311
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