Celebratory July 4 gunfire can be deadly.
Over 1,600 Americans died last year from unintentional shootings — situations involving an accidental discharge, a stray bullet or a child mistaking a gun for a toy — according to Gun Violence Archive.
Firing a gun at the sky this Independence Day could have tragic consequences. The average bullet moves over 2,500 mph , per The BBC, and can travel for nearly 2 miles. Because of gravity, any celebratory shot that goes up must come down.
The shooter often does not have time to move out of the way of the bullet’s trajectory and can be hit in the head — most injuries like this are fatal.
Celebratory gunfire within Dallas city limits carries a fine of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail. Lighting, buying or possessing fireworks within Dallas or Fort Worth city limits is also illegal.
About 60% of Texas households currently own a gun, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. Here’s how to keep yourself and your family safe:
Practice responsible gun ownership
- Keep guns away from children. Teenagers and children often don’t understand the risks posed by guns — young children can mistake guns as toys and accidentally pull the trigger. If there is a gun in the home, make sure it is hidden, safely stored and not easily accessible to children.
- Take gun storage seriously. It is safest to store guns unloaded in a locked container, per Everytown. Keep guns separate from ammunition.
- Keep the safety on. When using a gun for target practice or hunting, keep all safety mechanisms on until ready to fire. Children should never fire a gun, even with instruction.
- Have conversations about gun safety. Remind children and teenagers that, if they see a gun, they shouldn’t touch it and should tell an adult immediately. Ask friends, neighbors or relatives if they have an unsecured gun in their home before you send your child over for a playdate.
Alternate ways to celebrate the Fourth
- Fair Park Fourth is free and open to the public. The event, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Fair Park in South Dallas, will have live music, concessions and fireworks.
- Klyde Warren Park will also offer family friendly food, festivities and fireworks beginning at 7 p.m.
- Fort Worth’s Fourth: Located at Panther Island Pavilion, the Fort Worth event is the largest fireworks show in North Texas. Throughout the day, families can participate in a variety of free crafts, outdoor activities and live country music.
- Rowlett Fireworks on Main: In one of Dallas’ eastern suburbs, the Rowlett event also includes music, food vendors and lakeside fireworks starting at 5 p.m.
