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Firearm Injury, Death, More of a Threat to kids than Automobiles

The mortality rate for childhood firearm injury in Colorado children exceeds mortality from automobile injury, according to a 2021 study by Colorado Children’s Hospital.

The study found that over a five-year period (2014 to 2019), firearm injuries and deaths increased in Colorado children (0-19 years of age), averaging one injury every day and one fatality every week while, concurrently, automobile injuries decreased.

Firearm injuries in children represent a public health problem that occurs in both rural and urban areas, affects all races and peaks during the summer months. The fatality rate for firearm injury in Colorado children is 18 times greater than for automobile injury.

Like public health policies that have reduced automobile injuries and fatalities, policies limiting access to unsecured weapons and ammunition could prevent many firearm injuries and deaths.