The national debate on the issue of personal gun ownership isn’t likely to be resolved anytime soon. Both sides are so radicalized that they can’t begin to see the other side and that is what is required in order for productive debate to occur. For now, everyone can agree to disagree on the main issues of ownership. They can also agree that safety is the first responsibility for anyone who owns a gun.

The prevalence of gun safety classes offered by everyone from the National Rifle Association to local community groups and even the government proves that this is common ground. Making sure that every gun owner — and their families — has access to that training can go a long way towards reducing the number of accidental shootings that occur every year.

Another way to reduce the risks associated with gun ownership is to invest in gun safes . This will help keep household guns out of the curious hands of children. It will also reduce the chance that an unarmed burglar will turn someone’s gun against them. It can even reduce the chance of a gun being picked up in the heat of a domestic argument.

When purchasing a gun, instead of budgeting for accessories, owners should make safety courses and gun safes a priority.