The NSSF just announced on their website that unintentional firearms fatalities have reached their lowest point ever since record-keeping began in 1903. According to the latest available data derived from the National Safety Council which just released its Injury Facts Report 2018 firearms accidents – specifically unintentional firearms deaths, accounted for less than 1% of unintentional fatalities from all principal causes.

For the last 20 years, firearms locks have been provided by almost every gun manufacturer as part of the Project ChildSafe program. This program has distributed well over 100 million firearm locking devices with new guns in the last 20 years. In addition to the locks, the project also distributes safety materials for gun owners and retailers alike.

Between 1998 and 2018, accidental firearms deaths declined by 47% with 5.8% of that decline taking place just between 2017 and 2018. Hopefully, this trend can continue. In a statement by NSSF President and CEO Joe Bertozzi, he details his gratification and continued fervor for the NSSF’s gun safety programs.

As an industry that prioritizes firearm safety, it is extremely good news to see this record decline in gun-related accidents, It’s gratifying to know that our industry’s gun safety efforts, including our long-running Project ChildSafe firearm safety education program, are contributing to helping save lives.

In addition, Mr. Bartozzi stated that they are indeed aiming for a zero percent accidental fatality metric as “Even one accidental firearm fatality is too many,” The NSSF president has made reinforcing statements regarding the recent mass purchasing of firearms during the COVID-19 pandemic and gun safety for new gun owners. He has strongly encouraged new gun owners to use the safety device sent along with the gun when not in their direct control. In addition, he also urged owners to use another form of a safety device such as a lockable gun case or a gun safe.

I for one agree with the sentiments of Mr. Bartozzi. With so many new gun owners coming into existence in barely a week, it is important to inform and train those people in proper gun handling. Many people will be scared and some may be too afraid to ask important questions out of fear of embarrassment. The best thing new gun owners can do I believe is to follow the basic rules of gun safety.

In fact, if you yourself are a new gun owner and are in need of some guidance, our Editor in Chief Pete has the post just for you. New Gun Owner? Congratulations! Now Let’s Talk About Gun Safety. Hopefully, together as gun owners, we can continue this downward trend of firearms accidents.