Fireworks

            Over the years, there has been a wide debate on whether or not fireworks should be legal. In deed, fireworks are legal in some states, but in others they are not. A variety of many arguments have been put forth about this issue. This essay will consider arguments for having fireworks legal in this country. Fire works demand responsibility and are safe when used correctly. They are not a leading cause of fires and become a patriotic display of celebration. If fireworks were used in a cautious manner, like any dangerous equipment, injuries could be avoided. It is claimed that most injuries are from illegal fireworks. What comes to mind in this argument is how people are really getting hurt. In fact, there are thousands of injuries a year due to fireworks, but fifty percent are children under fourteen. Statistics state that a child is most likely to be hurt on a bicycle or by a baseball then fireworks. In addition, most injuries are reported to be at home, which explains that in most public areas safety is practiced with fireworks. In 1996 Smith stated that, "Persons who are active in fireworks are more injured then bystanders." Moreover, if a person were to use fireworks correctly it would cut down the injury rate for both the participant and bystander. Furthermore, most injuries can be avoided by a person's action. If fireworks are used as directed, people can enjoy them, not get injured, not start a fire, and learn responsibility.
             Not all firework use is dangerous. Firework-related injury rates are at an all-time low. According to CPSC there has been a 42% drop in the total number of firework-related injury over a two-year period. Does that mean that less people are buying fireworks? Not only are more people buying fireworks, the sales doubled between 1990 and 1996. In fact, between 1995 and 1996, fireworks sales increased from 115 pounds to 118 pounds. An additional point of interest is the ratio of fireworks bought and to injuries sustained.