Every year, 500 people in America die from unintentional firearm injuries. This figure accounts for 2% of all gun deaths in the country. When it comes to nonfatal gun injuries, the picture is even more dramatic: 37% of firearm injuries are unintentional. The United States may have a right to bear arms, but owning a gun is a major responsibility.

Unintended shootings are preventable. The first thing to do is keep alcohol and guns away from each other. Nearly a quarter of all unintentional gun deaths involved alcohol. Another thing to do is keep guns away from children. 154 gun deaths in 2021 were accidentally caused by children. Over 4.6 million children live in homes with an unlocked gun. That must change.
Does insurance make guns safer? It can. Gun liability insurance policies base premiums on how responsible a gun owner is with their weapon. 31% of accidental firearm deaths could be prevented with childproof safety locks and loaded chamber indicators, 2 things insurance rewards gun owners for having. Using a gun safe and taking a gun safety course are additional ways a gun owner can both lower premium rates and make their house safer. Every extra step counts.