Gun violence and mass shootings are a uniquely American problem. Because the U.S. constitution protects the right to bear arms, debates over background checks and restrictions on magazine capacity have become a major hot button in our national politics. Apart from school shootings and gun crime, accidental shootings account for a significant number of deaths and injuries in young people. So,how can we move past the controversy and make science-based decisions about gun policy in America? Other nations don’t see anywhere near the same level of gun crime as we do in the U.S., even in nations with high rates of gun ownership per capita. We spoke with a researcher at University of Alabama, Birmingham about the facts and research around gun safety and gun crime, and how to prevent shootings and safeguard our nation’s youth. Especially from unintentional firearm deaths. In the context of recent news about a school shooting in Wisconsin, this expert’s perspective can offer valuable insights into the landscape of Americans’ relationship with guns.