NCJ Number
130791
Date Published
1991
Length
47 pages
Annotation
The report examines the extent to which certain safety devices could prevent firearms-related deaths.
Abstract
Specifically, the report examines the proportion of accidental deaths that might have been averted by two technological modifications to firearms: a child-proof safety device that automatically engages and a device that indicates whether a gun is loaded. The report also looks at injuries caused by accidental firearm discharges and develops new information on that subject such as the likely number of individuals injured in accidental shootings and a range of alternatives for dealing with this health problem. The findings of the research show that the two safety devices could save potentially 31 percent of the lives currently lost by firearm accidents and could prevent many of the injuries. The report concludes with recommendations that while these safety devices are effective, other approaches such as training gun owners or limiting access to firearms may be equally or more effective. 3 tables, 7 figures, and 40 references