What About Accidental Gun Deaths?

One of the Left’s favorite arguments for gun control is the possibility of someone being accidentally killed by a firearm. Liberals immediately try to capitalize on every news story about a young child who was killed by taking their parent’s gun and playing with it. However, that situation only tells one side of the argument. Accidental guns deaths are relatively low in number and do not merit government intervention in our constitutional freedoms.

According to the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action, guns caused 586 accidental deaths in 2014. That number accounts for only 0.4 percent of all accidental deaths reported. By comparison, drugs caused over 38,000 accidental deaths and cars caused over 32,000 deaths. You will not see gun control advocates advocating against cars. In fact, liberals are the ones who want to legalize gateway drugs like marijuana. Clearly, accidental deaths are only something that they care about when it fits into their political agenda. When it comes to accidental deaths among small children, guns account for 50 out of 3,899 in 2014. Of course, no one argues against the fact that accidental deaths are tragic, especially when a small child is involved. However, the way to stop these deaths is not more government regulation. Accidental gun deaths can be prevented by gun owners voluntarily practicing responsible gun ownership. Groups like the National Rifle Association offer an abundance of resources to help gun owners keep themselves and their families safe through practical gun safety measures.

Burdensome government regulations can never take the place of responsibility and common sense. Despite what most liberal gun control advocates would have you to think, the average law-abiding citizen is capable of looking after his own best interests and the interests of his family. Statistics show that the accidental death argument is not a valid reason to take away people’s firearms because accidental gun deaths are few in number and easily preventable in most cases. Do not be swayed by liberal lies that guns are dangerous no matter what precautions are taken. With a little common sense, guns are just as safe as any other tool in your home.

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