But neither should we allow the fact of human imperfection to be used to manipulate our feelings. Reality insists that we view accident rates in their context. Doctors and hospitals save far more lives than they lose in accidents. It is now settled that firearms used responsibly save many more lives in self-defense than they take by crime or accidents. Anyone who coyly mouths these three words as justification for new gun-control laws is practicing emotional flimflammery.
People make mistakes.
But gun accidents have been on the wane for over 30 years. If the decline continues, they will soon number less than 1,000 per year. This encouraging trend is likely bolstered by the gun safety education provided by private firearm owner groups. The public service of these groups goes largely uncredited. Doctors and hospital employees make mistakes.