azdesertrhino
02-11-2006, 02:34 PM
Gun safety cuts risks of tragedy
The apparently accidental shooting death last month of a 15-year-old boy near Aromas is a stern reminder of the importance of gun safety, for the novice and even the most experienced gun owners among us.
The key to preventing accidents, of course, is adequate training in gun handling and safety, and putting that knowledge to use every time a gun is in use. There is never a time to let down your guard whenever guns are in sight.
Most of the older hunters and gun enthusiasts in Monterey County probably had to pick up their skills and knowledge as they went along. Presumably, fathers taught their sons and daughters how to use guns and how to be safe around them.
A 1994 study by the U.S. Department of Justice showed that boys whose fathers taught them about guns are vastly different from the delinquents who learn about guns on the street.
Today, training and gun safety programs abound for young people and newcomers to the world of firearms.
Accidents happen, and every one involving guns is a tragedy. But the statistics continually show that far greater threats to children exist. Automobiles, household chemicals, even swimming pools cause more deaths of children than do firearms.
Yet the value of firearms safety training cannot be overstated. Those who learn to respect a weapon and what it can do are much less likely to have accidents.
Some community organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America offer basic training in the use of BB guns and .22-caliber rifles and shotguns.
These efforts should be applauded.
Support the local people and organizations that help teach young people and others about using guns properly and safely.
Whatever your view on gun control or the Second Amendment, we all should be on the side of safety and training.
Even if every single gun user is properly trained, there is no guarantee accidents won't happen. However, with everyone thinking about safety, we can certainly reduce the risks - and the deaths.
The apparently accidental shooting death last month of a 15-year-old boy near Aromas is a stern reminder of the importance of gun safety, for the novice and even the most experienced gun owners among us.
The key to preventing accidents, of course, is adequate training in gun handling and safety, and putting that knowledge to use every time a gun is in use. There is never a time to let down your guard whenever guns are in sight.
Most of the older hunters and gun enthusiasts in Monterey County probably had to pick up their skills and knowledge as they went along. Presumably, fathers taught their sons and daughters how to use guns and how to be safe around them.
A 1994 study by the U.S. Department of Justice showed that boys whose fathers taught them about guns are vastly different from the delinquents who learn about guns on the street.
Today, training and gun safety programs abound for young people and newcomers to the world of firearms.
Accidents happen, and every one involving guns is a tragedy. But the statistics continually show that far greater threats to children exist. Automobiles, household chemicals, even swimming pools cause more deaths of children than do firearms.
Yet the value of firearms safety training cannot be overstated. Those who learn to respect a weapon and what it can do are much less likely to have accidents.
Some community organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America offer basic training in the use of BB guns and .22-caliber rifles and shotguns.
These efforts should be applauded.
Support the local people and organizations that help teach young people and others about using guns properly and safely.
Whatever your view on gun control or the Second Amendment, we all should be on the side of safety and training.
Even if every single gun user is properly trained, there is no guarantee accidents won't happen. However, with everyone thinking about safety, we can certainly reduce the risks - and the deaths.