QUINN TEAMS UP WITH PROJECT CHILDSAFE TO KEEP FATAL ACCIDENTS FROM HAPPENING GUN LOCKS AND FIREARMS EDUCATION ARE RECEIVED ACROSS THE STATE

ROSEMONT, IL. - Today Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn kicked off the 2004 Project ChildSafe safety tour to raise awareness about safe and responsible firearm ownership and storage. Quinn partnered with Project ChildSafe, a nationwide program aiming to cut down on firearm-related accidents, to help better inform Illinoisans about gun safety and support the distribution of free gunlocks to firearm owners across the state.

 

The free firearm safety kits, which include a gun locking device, were distributed by the National Shooting Sports Foundations (NSSF) at the "Chicagoland Outdoors Show," which is expected to draw an estimated crowd of 150,000 people over the course of the 5-day event. The gun lock consists of a vinyl-covered steel cable with one end permanently secured to a keyed padlock.  When properly installed, the firearm is unloaded and the lock prevents the firearm's action from closing.

 

 "Although accidental deaths relating to the mishandling of guns are at a historic low, every single life lost in this manner is a death that should be prevented," said Quinn. "Gun safety is paramount if citizens choose to keep a firearm in their home."

 

Just last June a 12-year old boy, whose mother was serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, was killed while playing with a handgun when the weapon discharged in what was described as an "accidental shooting." 

 

"I encourage all gun owners to take the necessary precautions to keep their loved ones out of harm's way," said Quinn. "Each and every individual can exercise their power to make their community a safer place by getting involved in the Project ChildSafe program."

 

Quinn was joined by members of Project ChildSafe as well as the National Shooting Sports Foundation, who are responsible for developing and managing the nationwide safety tour.

 

Project ChildSafe will distribute 20 million free gunlocks nationwide and will utilize 15 education vehicles to bring safety tours to thousands of communities across the United States. For more information on firearm safety and Illinois tour schedules, visit our Web site at www.ProjectChildSafe.il.gov.

 

Project ChildSafe is a nationwide program whose goal is to promote firearm safety and storage practices among all firearm owners through the distribution of fundamental education information and free gunlocks.