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Gun-Related Deaths Outnumber Vehicle Deaths In D.C. Area

By: Ashley Dejean // October 14, 2012
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Photo shows double barrel semi-automatic pistols.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/iluvcocacola/6981689495/
Photo shows double barrel semi-automatic pistols.

More people die of gunshots than from motor vehicle accidents and crashes in our region, according to a new study by a group aiming to reduce gun violence.

The study by the Violence Policy Center compares gun and vehicle deaths in Maryland, Virginia and the District. Kristen Rand, the group's legislative director, says the numbers come from the National Center for Injury and Prevention Control.

"What we found is that in each of those jurisdictions, gun deaths outpaced motor vehicle deaths," she says. "There were a total of 1,512 gun deaths and 1,280 motor vehicle deaths in 2010, which is the latest year for which figures were available."

Rand calls it a public health crisis.

"I think people really should think about how often are you exposed to the two products during the term of your usual day," she says. "Most people ride in cars everyday, they walk in front of them. Whereas most people don't really encounter firearms at all."

The center found more people died from guns than from motor vehicles in 12 states and the District.

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