Probability of Dying from Accidental Gun Discharge

Accidental (unintentional) firearm deaths have lifetime odds of approximately 1 in 8,527 in the United States, according to NSC data. About 535 people die from unintentional firearm discharges each year, and thousands more are injured.

Children and teens are disproportionately affected by accidental gun deaths. Access to unsecured firearms in the home is the primary risk factor. An estimated 4.6 million children in the US live in homes with at least one loaded, unlocked firearm. Alcohol consumption and improper handling are also major contributing factors among adults.

The most effective prevention measure is secure firearm storage: guns should be stored unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition. Trigger locks, gun safes, and cable locks are all effective. Other safety practices include treating every gun as if it's loaded, never pointing a firearm at anything you don't intend to shoot, keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and completing a firearm safety course. Many states now have Child Access Prevention laws that hold adults responsible when children access unsecured firearms.