Millions of American gun owners leave firearms in cars, often in unlocked consoles
Roughly 27% of American gun owners leave firearms unattended in their vehicles, often in center consoles or glove compartments, according to a national survey examining safety fears and theft risks.
A recent study published in Injury Epidemiology reveals that one in four American gun owners leave a firearm unattended in a vehicle at least sometimes, according to new research. Personal safety concerns, convenience, and laws restricting guns indoors often lead owners to place weapons in easily accessible spots like center consoles and glove compartments rather than locked safes.
Carrying firearms outside the home has become more common in the U.S., with a 2022 study estimating 16 million adult Americans carrying a loaded handgun monthly, roughly double the number just a few years prior. Heightened personal threat and unsafe neighborhood perceptions also influence firearm transportation and storage. The research, conducted by Dr. Alexander Testa from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, analyzed data from an online survey of 1,856 gun owners in the U.S. and found that 21.8 million adults occasionally leave a gun in a vehicle, with 4.8 million doing so regularly.
Men, non-Hispanic Black owners, younger adults, and those who have experienced firearm theft are more likely to leave weapons unattended. Personal feelings of fear and political conservatism also correlate with this behavior.
Written by urgent.news from PsyPost's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
