Commercial Property

Enhancing Safety in Commercial Properties: The Imperative of Installing Safety Bollards

Commercial properties, encompassing retail stores, offices, restaurants, and shopping centers, are integral to the economic vitality of communities. However, these establishments face a significant risk from vehicle-into-building crashes, which can result in severe injuries, fatalities, and substantial property damage. Implementing safety bollards is a proactive measure to mitigate these risks and protect both people and assets.

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The Prevalence of Storefront Crashes

Data from the Storefront Safety Council indicates that vehicles crash into commercial buildings and related structures more than 100 times per day in the United States, leading to approximately 16,000 injuries and over 2,600 fatalities annually.

Distribution of Vehicle in to Building Incidents by Commercial Property Types

Common Causes of Vehicle-Into-Building Crashes

Understanding the primary causes of these incidents is crucial for effective prevention:
Operator Error: 22%
Pedal Error: 17%
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): 15%
Traffic Accidents: 12%
Medical Emergencies: 6%
Ram-Raid or Crash-and-Grab Burglaries: 9%
Other Causes: 21%

These statistics highlight that a significant portion of these crashes result from preventable errors or intentional acts, underscoring the need for robust protective measures.

The Role of Safety Bollards in Preventing Storefront Crashes

Safety bollards are sturdy, vertical posts installed to form a protective barrier between vehicles and vulnerable areas of a building. Their strategic placement offers several benefits:

Protection of Occupants and Pedestrians

Bollards prevent vehicles from encroaching into occupied spaces, thereby reducing the risk of injury or death to customers, employees, and pedestrians.

Deterrence of Criminal Activities

By obstructing vehicular access, bollards deter ram-raid attacks, where criminals use vehicles to force entry into commercial properties.

Preservation of Property

Bollards minimize damage to building structures, reducing repair costs and operational downtime following an incident.

Legal and Financial Safeguarding

Implementing appropriate safety measures, such as bollards, can protect property owners from liability claims arising from vehicle-into-building crashes.

Implementing Effective Bollard Solutions

For safety bollards to provide optimal protection in commercial settings, consider the following:

Strategic Placement: Install bollards near entrances, large windows, and areas where vehicles could potentially breach the building envelope.
Compliance with Standards: Ensure that bollards meet relevant safety and impact resistance standards to effectively stop vehicles.
Aesthetic Integration: Select bollard designs that complement the architectural style of the property, maintaining visual appeal while enhancing safety.

By proactively installing safety bollards, commercial property owners can significantly reduce the risk of vehicle-into-building crashes, safeguarding human life and property, and mitigating potential legal and financial repercussions.

Case Study: The Importance of Bollard Installation

A notable example highlighting the necessity of safety bollards involves a 7-Eleven store in Chicago. In 2017, a vehicle accidentally accelerated into the storefront, resulting in severe injuries to a pedestrian. The investigation revealed that, on average, a vehicle strikes a 7-Eleven building once a day across their numerous locations. This incident led to a $91 million settlement, emphasizing the critical need for protective measures like bollards to prevent such tragedies and associated liabilities.

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By integrating well-designed safety bollards, commercial properties 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.