Preferences for Firearm Locking Devices and Device Features Among Participants in a Firearm Safety Event.

Joseph Simonetti,Cassie Simeona,Chelsie Gallagher,Frederick Rivara,Elizabeth Bennett,Ali Rowhani-Rahbar

doi:10.5811/westjem.2019.5.42727

Abstract

IntroductionSafe firearm storage is associated with a lower risk of firearm-related injury and death. Although providing firearm locking devices is a key component of firearm safety interventions, little is known about the types and characteristics of devices preferred by firearm users or others who make decisions about firearm storage. The aim of this study was to describe preferences for firearm locking devices and device features among firearm safety event participants.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in the State of Washington in 2016 that assessed participants’ preferences for five firearm locking devices (eg, trigger lock) and seven device features (eg, quick access). We categorized respondents (n=401) as adults in households with 1) all firearms locked, 2) at least one unlocked firearm, and 3) no firearms. We analyzed data in 2017.ResultsDevice ownership and feature preferences varied substantially but were similar across the three household categories. Of those residing with unlocked firearms, 84% reported they would consider using or definitely use a lock box, whereas 11% reported they would never use a trigger lock. Additionally, of those residing with unlocked firearms, 80% and 89% reported that the ability to lock a firearm while loaded and unlock it quickly were, respectively, “very important” or “absolutely essential.”ConclusionParticipants had differing preferences for firearm locking devices and device features, although preferences were largely similar across households with locked, unlocked, or no firearms. At least eight in ten participants reported “great importance” regarding the ability to lock a firearm while loaded and unlock it quickly, which is likely related to perceptions about the utility of safely stored firearms for household protection. Designing firearm safety interventions to match the needs and preferences of those who make firearm storage decisions may improve their effectiveness.

Highlights

Safe firearm storage is associated with a lower risk of firearm-related injury and death
Providing firearm locking devices is a key component of firearm safety interventions, little is known about the types and characteristics of devices preferred by firearm users or others who make decisions about firearm storage
Device ownership and feature preferences varied substantially but were similar across the three household categories. Of those residing with unlocked firearms, 84% reported they would consider using or definitely use a lock box, whereas 11% reported they would never use a trigger lock

Summary

Introduction

Safe firearm storage is associated with a lower risk of firearm-related injury and death. Safe firearm storage (i.e., storing firearms locked and unloaded) is associated with a lower risk of firearm-related suicide as well as firearm-related unintentional injury and death.[1,2,3] Several interventions have been shown to be effective in promoting safe firearm storage.[4,5] The provision of firearm locking devices appears to be a key component of successful interventions.[4] little is known about preferences for different, commercially-available locking devices, including external locking mechanisms (e.g., Preferences for Firearm Locking Devices and Features Among Participants in a Firearm Safety Event trigger, cable, and Life JacketTM locks) or storage containers in which firearms can be secured (e.g., firearm safes, lock boxes) (Appendix A). This finding is consistent with a small study among rural Alaskan households in which participants preferred firearm safes instead of trigger locks and were much less likely at follow-up to use trigger locks than safes to store their firearms.[7]

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