Which of these is a safety measure when using a crossbow?

Never dry firing a crossbow is essential for safety because dry firing refers to pulling the trigger without an arrow in place. This action can cause significant damage to the crossbow and potentially lead to injury. The internal components of the crossbow are designed to handle the pressure and tension created when an arrow is shot, and without this resistance, the limbs of the crossbow can be damaged or even break, which might result in the limbs snapping back and causing harm to the user or bystanders. Therefore, ensuring that you always have an arrow loaded before cocking and firing the crossbow is a fundamental safety measure that prevents accidents and maintains the functionality of the equipment. Proper adherence to this rule significantly decreases the risk of mishaps while hunting or practicing with a crossbow.