Put simply, safe shooting is good common sense! On the other hand, poor gun handling practices constitute stupidity!
It could never be a good plan to take matters of life and death lightly. A firearm is a LETHAL weapon. YOU can never bring that bullet back! Always follow these simple rules.
Always treat a gun like it is loaded
Never point a gun at anything you do not intend to shoot
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
Never store your gun loaded
Be certain your gun is empty before you attempt to disassemble, or clean it (see rule 1)
When shooting, observe the "firing line" - more below
It is totally unreasonable how many accidents occur for reason "I didn't know it was loaded."
IT is always loaded - there is no such thing as an empty gun!
Make sure of the area you will be shooting into. Ask: Where will the bullet go? When will it stop? Could others be beyond our targets? MAKE SURE!
Establish a "firing line" - one side is downrange, the other safe. This line should be lateral to your target area.
See to it that each person in your party is aware that shooting will go on.
See to it no one goes beyond the "firing line" (downrange) UNLESS everyone knows to cease fire.
See to it everyone is on the safe side before shooting commences, or recommences.