Collective review
Accidental firearms fatalities and injuries among recreational hunters

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0196-0644(89)80581-5Get rights and content

Summary

Injuries and fatalities from recreational hunting accidents have been studied much less than firearm accidents occurring in urban populations. The available data indicate that hunting accidents may account for a significant number of unintentional firearm accidents in areas outside commonly studied urban settings. Legislative efforts to control handgun availability can be expected to have little impact on hunting accident statistics.

The development of automatic firearms safety devices, promotion of hunter safety programs, and greater participation by the medical community in preventive measures may impact the problem. Similar efforts have already been influential in reducing other forms of accidental injury through promotion of seat-belt use, local motorcycle helmet laws, use of infant car seats, and, most recently, regulations regarding allterrain vehicles.

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