Banking

Enhancing Bank Security with Safety Bollards: A Critical Measure Against Storefront Crashes

In today’s rapidly evolving security landscape, banks must proactively address potential threats to ensure the safety of their clients, employees, and assets. One often overlooked yet vital aspect of bank security is the installation of safety bollards. These sturdy barriers serve as a frontline defense against vehicle-into-building incidents, which are alarmingly common and can have devastating consequences.

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The Prevalence of Storefront Crashes

Storefront crashes occur with unsettling frequency across the United States. According to the Storefront Safety Council, vehicles crash into commercial buildings and related structures more than 100 times per day, resulting in as many as 16,000 injuries and over 2,600 fatalities annually. Approximately 42% of these incidents involve at least one injury, and 8% result in one or more fatalities.

While retail stores and restaurants are often highlighted, banks are not immune to these incidents. The nature of banking operations, with customers frequently parking near entrances and ATMs, increases the risk of accidental or intentional vehicle impacts.

Why Banks Need Safety Bollards

Protection Against Accidental Collisions

Driver errors, such as pedal misapplication or loss of control, account for a significant portion of storefront crashes. Safety bollards act as physical barriers, preventing vehicles from inadvertently crashing into bank entrances or lobbies.

Deterrence of Criminal Activities

Banks are potential targets for “ram-raids,” where perpetrators use vehicles to force entry for theft. Robust bollards can thwart such attempts by blocking vehicular access, thereby enhancing the bank’s physical security.

Safeguarding Customers and Employees

Ensuring the safety of individuals within and around the bank premises is paramount. Bollards provide a protective barrier, reducing the risk of injury from vehicle intrusions.

Asset and Infrastructure Protection

Beyond the immediate threat to people, vehicle impacts can cause substantial damage to bank property, leading to costly repairs and operational downtime. Bollards help preserve the integrity of the building and its facilities.

Supporting Statistics

Frequency of Incidents: The Storefront Safety Council reports that storefront crashes occur more than 100 times per day in the U.S., leading to significant injuries and fatalities annually.
Common Causes: Operator error, including pedal misapplication, accounts for approximately 22% of these incidents, while DUI contributes to 15%.
Affected Establishments: Retail stores are struck in 24% of incidents, with commercial buildings and offices also frequently impacted.

Given these statistics, it’s evident that banks, as prominent commercial entities, face a tangible risk from vehicle-into-building crashes.

Implementing Effective Bollard Solutions

For safety bollards to be effective, they must be strategically placed and constructed to withstand significant impact forces. Key considerations include:

Placement: Bollards should be installed near entrances, ATMs, and along the building perimeter where vehicle access is possible.
Design and Aesthetics: Modern bollards can be designed to complement the bank’s architectural style, ensuring security measures do not detract from the building’s appearance.
Compliance with Standards: Bollards should meet relevant safety standards and be tested for impact resistance to ensure their effectiveness.

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By integrating well-designed safety bollards, banks can significantly mitigate the risks associated with vehicle-into-building incidents, enhancing overall security and providing peace of mind to customers and staff alike.

Contact us today for more information about our safety bollards for the banking industry.