Accidental Shooting Statistics: A Review of Unintentional Firearm Deaths from 1979-2024

[Talyn]

Unlike other firearm-related incidents, accidental shootings are a category that the pro-gun community has notably influenced over the years.

Despite sensationalized headlines and ongoing advocacy for new legislation, it’s crucial to recognize that accidental shootings are exceedingly rare occurrences. Even in households with unsecured firearms and children, such tragedies are infrequent.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that these accidents are entirely preventable. The following sections delve into various aspects of accidental shootings in the United States.

Key Points:

• In 2022, less than 1% (461) of the 48,222 firearm deaths in the U.S. were attributed to accidental shootings.
• 2.3% of the 30,303 unintentional firearm-related injuries were fatal in 2021.
• Of the 231,878 firearm-related offenses reported to the FBI in 2022, only 721 were accidental shootings (0.3%).
• There is no correlation between permitless carry and accidental shootings; only four of the five top states for accidental shootings and all five of the bottom states have permitless carry.
• Only 0.2% of all accidental injury-related deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to firearms.

https://havokjournal.com/guns/accidental-shooting-statistics-a-review-of-unintentional-firearm-deaths-from-1979-2024-2/?

 

[trader]

lots of accidental shootings not just "civilians" usually some safety protocol was ignored.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/dancing-fbi-agent-pleads-guilty-shooting-avoids-jail/story?id=59969657

California teacher accidentally fires gun in class, injures students

California teacher accidentally fires gun in class, injures students SEASIDE, California — A teacher leading a high school course in gun safety accidentally fired a shot from a handgun in a classroom, with three students suffering minor injuries.

apnews.com

Police detective dies after accidental rifle discharge near Scottsdale Airport

Detective Ryan So served in the Scottsdale Police Department for more than nine years and actively served in the U.S. Navy.

www.azfamily.com

 

[HayesGreener]

I refuse to call them accidents. Negligent is a better word to describe most

 

[Bassbob]

I refuse to call them accidents. Negligent is a better word to describe most

Agreed, I was taken to task here for making similar comments though.

 

[HayesGreener]

Agreed, I was taken to task here for making similar comments though.

Absent some incredibly rare mechanical or ammunition failure, guns don't just "go off". I investigated a few and there was always some human intervention. All it takes is some knowledge and thought to avoid these things. Ignorance and/or stupidity is operant in most "accidents".

 

[Bassbob]

Absent some incredibly rare mechanical or ammunition failure, guns don't just "go off". I investigated a few and there was always some human intervention. All it takes is some knowledge and thought to avoid these things. Ignorance and/or stupidity is operant in most "accidents".

I think some were taking offense because I fail to differentiate between "Accidentally" pulling the trigger and "Negligently" pulling the trigger.

To my mind if you accidentally fire the weapon when you did not intend to, THAT IS NEGLIGENCE.

 

[trader]

Absent some incredibly rare mechanical or ammunition failure, guns don't just "go off". I investigated a few and there was always some human intervention. All it takes is some knowledge and thought to avoid these things. Ignorance and/or stupidity is operant in most "accidents".

except on very very rare occasions, when it's not a human touching the trigger. The person here, left a loaded, chambered rifle and his dog did the "Accidently" part. https://people.com/human-interest/dog-shoots-kills-owner-freak-hunting-accident-kansas/ otherwise HG yes, human interaction almost always the cause.

 

[Bassbob]

except on very very rare occasions, when it's not a human touching the trigger. The person here, left a loaded, chambered rifle and his dog did the "Accidently" part. https://people.com/human-interest/dog-shoots-kills-owner-freak-hunting-accident-kansas/ otherwise HG yes, human interaction almost always the cause.

I would still consider that negligent. That dog didn't load the gun and leave it sitting there ready to rock and roll.

 

[trader]

I would still consider that negligent. That dog didn't load the gun and leave it sitting there ready to rock and roll.

yep, and my point exactly. So therefore, whether negligent or irresponsible, humans are the root cause of accidental discharges.

 

[trader]

that article had me wondering though, wonder if that dog would consider IPSC/IPDA?