Pedestrian and Storefront Safety Resources
Storefront Crashes
BARRIERS PREVENTING STOREFRONT CRASHES AREN'T ALWAYS REQUIRED_ NEWS 6 SOUTH FLORIDA Florida has more cars crashing into buildings than nearly any other state. But efforts to prevent the vehicles from hitting buildings vary depending on where you live.
CAR ACCIDENT STATISTICS THAT MAY SURPRISE YOU_AMERIPRISE
You’ve seen the headline: Car Crashes into Building. In the U.S., it’s becoming an all-too-common occurrence, with an average of 60 such accidents each day. Every year, more than 500 people are killed when cars crash into retail outlets, restaurants, and office buildings in the U.S. That’s more than earthquakes, tornadoes and lightning combined! This infographic on car accident statistics explains why this trend is projected to grow.
CAR VS. BUILDING: STOPPING STOREFRONT CRASHES IN FLORIDA_NEWS 6 SOUTH FLORIDA
Cars crashing into storefronts is a recurring trend in Florida.
CRASHES PUT SPOTLIGHT ON INDIANA DRIVER LICENSING POLICIES
A series of crashes into storefronts in Indiana left a trail of property damage, but the drivers responsible are likely still behind the wheel because of Indiana’s policies on restricting driver’s licenses.
CURBING THE MALL DRIVE-THRU - BY RICCARDO A. DAVIS
What mall operators can do to better protect properties before the consequences of of vehicle incursions become more severe. Drivers crashing their cars through malls can do enough damage on their own destroying property and inflicting injuries.
FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO PADUCAH TRUCK INTO BUILDING_FIRE ENGINEER.COM
Technical Rescue Training group and building inspector add insight to creating a safe operational area after car crashes in to building.
FOR STORE PATRONS DANGER AT THE DOOR_FAIR WARNING
Although storefront crashes such as the one that took a life at Cumberland Farms in November 2010 may seem like freak accidents, they are more common than many people think.
IS YOUR STOREFRONT PREPARED FOR PEDAL ERROR? BY ROB REITER AND MARK WRIGHT_CONVENIENCE STORE NEWS Hitting the gas instead of the break. Convenience stores with nose-in parking spaces are sitting ducks because of driver “pedal error.”
LET'S ELIMINATE PARKING WHEEL STOPS AT BUSY STOREFRONTS_AVELAR & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS Wheel stops in parking facilities increase the risk of highly injurious pedestrian falls, particularly for elderly pedestrians.
STOREFRONT CRASHES INJURE THOUSANDS, KILL HUNDREDS EACH YEAR_NEWS CHANNEL 9
There is a false sense of security that many of us have in our day-to-day comings and goings at work, where we dine, shop and play.
STOREFRONT CRASHES: A BIGGER URBAN DESIGN ISSUE THAN WE THINK_MINNPOST
Most crash incursions happen when people are parking, presumably at a low speed. But they can result in horrendous injuries and even fatalities.
STOREFRONT CRASHES: WHY THEY OCCUR AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM_INTERVIEW WITH ROB REITER, CO-FOUNDER, STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL_CONVENIENCE STORE DECISIONS
Unfortunately, it happens much more often than one would think.
THE HIDDEN EPIDEMIC OF STOREFRONT CRASHES_THE ATLANTIC CITIES. Despite overwhelming evidence most Americans do not really think about how common storefront crashes actually are.
WITH STOREFRONT CRASHES, AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION GOES A LONG WAY_RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES_KY Forward by, Rob Reiter, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council, says storefront crashes are far more frequent and far more expensive for businesses and insurers than many realize.
Parking
HOW SAFE IS YOUR PARKING LOT? BY ROB REITER AND MARK WRIGHT_DEVELOPMENT MAGAZINE
While “going green” is all the rage, an under-the-radar safety problem in the space where parking lots meet buildings suggests that “going safe” is just as vital.
INNOVATIVE PARKING GARAGE SAFETY_BY MARK WRIGHT_CO-FOUNDER, STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL
Innovative design work and fabrication by their solutions providers, L.A.'s FIGat7th parking garage better protects patrons from wayward vehicles.
PARKING IS A FULL-TIME JOB_BY ROB REITER, CO-FOUNDER, STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL_TEXAS TRAFFIC INSTITUTE
The Storefront Safety Council says as many as 7,300 vehicle-into-building incursions occur at convenience stores every year. These crashes don’t have to happen. Barriers specifically designed to prevent slow-moving vehicles from crashing into a storefront are a solution to preventable tragedy
PARKING LOT SAFETY AND TRAFFIC FLOW_ARGO INSURANCE
Is your parking lot neat and well-maintained? Is it well-lighted? Is it safe? These are just a few questions to ask yourself about this heavily used area of your operation.
REDUCING PARKING LOT INJURIES, STOREFRONT CRASHES, AND TORT CLAIMS: SAFETY BOLLARDS, ADA PARKING SIGNPOSTS, AND “WHEEL STOPS” _ROB REITER AND AVELAR & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS. Let’s all work together for greater life safety and improved accessibility by promoting safety bollards and the elimination of wheel stops at parking spaces!
SAVING LIVES AT STOREFRONT PARKING_BY ROBERT REITER, CO-FOUNDER STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL_PARKING MAGAZINE
Pedal error causes more than 4o percent of storefront crashes. At highest risk are locations where parking spaces and drive lanes are pointed directly towards storefronts where patrons and workers are most like to be exposed.
General Safety
WITH A CLEAR PATTERN OF INCIDENTS, HERE’S WHY CITIES MUST PAY ATTENTION – AND WHAT SIA IS DOING TO DRIVE AWARENESS. Why Hostile Vehicle Incidents Like Waukesha Can’t Be Ignored, by Rob Reiter for the Security Industry Association
MANAGING RISK AL FRESCO: RISK MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OUTDOOR DINING.
California Joint Powers Insurance Authority.
EASY LESSONS: A BLOG POST_MARK WRIGHT, CO-FOUNDER, STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL
Storefront Safety Council co-founder Mark Wright says, "It happened to me. It can happen to you. It’s time to prevent vehicle-into-building crashes."
FLORIDA IS ONE OF THE TOP STATES WITH VEHICLES CRASHING INTO BUILDINGS_CHANNEL 10 NEWS, FLORIDA
There is a dangerous trend that has landed Florida as one of the top three states in the country for vehicles crashing into buildings.
HITTING THE GAS: EFFORTS TO PREVENT VEHICLE-INTO-BUILDING CRASHES GAIN TRACTION ACROSS THE US_PARKING PROFESSIONAL MAGAZINE
Rob Reiter, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council says protecting buildings and people is a lot less expensive than failing to do so. Property owners and businesses—along with their insurers—are getting hit with expensive settlements following vehicle-into-building crashes that resulted in injuries and fatalities.
PEDAL ERROR CRASHES_TRAFFIC TECH - TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SERIES PUBLICATION - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Technical literature published between 1980 and 2009 included few studies regarding pedal application errors. Studies conducted using driving simulators identified two predictors of pedal errors: increased driver age and impairments in drivers’ executive function as measured by clinical tests of cognitive functioning.
SXSW CRASH RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT BARRICADE SAFETY_NPR STATION KUT
People are beginning to think the city of Austin, TX, should put more protective barriers in place.
THE OVERLOOKED THREAT OF VEHICLE-INTO-BUILDING ACCIDENTS_BY ROB REITER, CO-FOUNDER, STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL_RISK MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE
Rob Reiter, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council presents surprising statistics that highlight a largely overlooked problem that touches on premises liability, workplace safety, property and casualty insurance, and underwriting.
WE'RE SHAMEFULLY BAD AT PROTECTING PEDESTRIANS AT EVENTS_THE ATLANTIC CITIES
Nobody wants to realize you're just a drunk away from having two dead people and 20 injured
Safety Standards
KEEPING CARS AND STOREFRONTS APART_ASTM STANDARDIZATION NEWS UPDATE
The commonplace nature of such accidents signals a need for better storefront protection from errant cars.
LOW SPEED VEHICLE BARRIERS_ASTM STANDARDIZATION NEWS UPDATE
ASTM International Committee F12 on Security Systems and Equipment is developing a proposed new standard to better protect buildings and pedestrians.
NEW ASTM LOW SPEED IMPACT TESTING STANDARDS TO AID IN LOWERING RISK OF STOREFRONT CAR ACCIDENTS_ ASTM
ASTM standard F3016 will establish a penetration rating for vehicle protective devices subjected to low speed vehicle impact.
TTI PLAYS KEY ROLE IN CREATING NEW SAFETY STANDARD TO PREVENT STOREFRONT CRASHES_TTI ASTM International approves a low-speed bollard test standard designed to help save hundreds of lives and millions of dollars in property damage each year.
Legislation and Ordinances
AMHERST - 7-18-12 -DISCUSSION DRAFT
Vehicle impact protection will be required adjacent to parking spaces angled between 30 to 90 degrees relative to the adjacent structure and located less than 24 feet from specific uses.
CALIFORNIA - AB2161 - ASSEMBLYMAN BILL QUIRK – 2017
California State Assemblyman Bill Quirk on legislation that allows insurances to offer a discount on property owners’ insurance.
CITY OF ARTESIA - ORDINANCE NO. 15-817 - CALIFORNIA 2015
Requires, among other things, that “vehicle impact protection devices” be installed adjacent to parking spaces that are angled between 30 to 90 degrees relative to an adjacent outdoor pedestrian seating area. The ordinance effort was led by Artesia City Council member Victor Manolo after his mother-in-law was killed and his daughter was severely injured when a vehicle crashed into them in front of Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in nearby Buena Park.
CITY OF MALIBU - ORDINANCE NO. 403 - CALIFORNIA 2016
"City passes new parking lot safety standards ordinance. Read ordinance.
Requires “vehicle impact protection devices” in existing and future parking lots for head-in spaces within 75 feet of outdoor seating areas. Then-Mayor Pro Tem (now Mayor) Lou La Monte introduced the measure after learning of the Buena Park Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour tragedy."
MASSACHUSETTS - HOUSE BILL 2126 - 2013, 2015
Twice introduced legislation, in 2013 and 2015, to mandate the installation of barriers between certain parking spaces and retail establishments, but neither bill survived to a full vote.
MIAMI/DADE, FLORIDA - ORDINANCE NO. 120887 - APRIL 2012
Requires that head-in parking located directly adjacent to a storefront be equipped with concrete security planters with a minimum depth of 40 inches, and that buildings located there have ground-floor windowsills placed at a height of 24 to 48 inches above grade.
MIDFIELD, ALABAMA - ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 201701 - 2016-2017
Requires businesses to place a barrier in front of their building if parking is within 10 feet of the entrance to the facility. Current businesses are grandfathered in and will only have to install a barrier if they make changes to their building or parking lot. The city council passed the law after an SUV crashed into a dentist’s office, killing 6-year-old Camlyn Lee.
ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA - ORDINANCE - 2016-09 - 2016
Requires childcare facilities to have safety barriers in exposed areas. The measure came as a response to the 2014 death of Lily Quintus, and serious injury of several other children, when a vehicle crashed into a childcare center in the county. Orange County also established the Lily Quintus Childcare Center Vehicle Impact Grant, providing up to $10,000 to assist childcare centers with installing safety barriers in front of their buildings.
VEHICULAR TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2017_US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to examine what actions the Department of Homeland Security is undertaking to combat the threat of vehicular terrorism, and for other purposes.
VEHICULAR TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2018_US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Updated. To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to examine what actions the Department of Homeland Security is undertaking to combat the threat of vehicular terrorism, and for other purposes.
ARTICLE_CALIFORNIA EMBRACES PEDESTRIAN SAFETY LEGISLATION_INTERNATIONAL PARKING ASSOCIATION
California State Assemblyman Bill Quirk on legislation that allows insurances to offer a discount on property owners’ insurance.
ARTICLE_ORDINANCES SEEK SAFER STOREFRONT PARKING AREAS_MARK WRIGHT_STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL
Helping architects and building officials to understand the high probability for ‘curb over’ accidents and available remedies will help them to adopt measures that will save lives for years to come.
Solutions and Best Practices
FRONT PARKING SPACES AND BUILDING PROTECTION_ARGO INSURANCE
Even if codes do not require building owners to install protective barriers on premises with parking spaces directly in front of the building, common law can obligate storekeepers to protect their customers from those hazards which are foreseeable.
OLDER DRIVERS CRASHING INTO BUILDINGS AND PEDESTRIANS: THERE IS A SOLUTION!_THE LEGAL EXAMINER
Matt Gurwell, founder of Keeping Us Safe and retired Ohio State Trooper explains the ‘Enhanced Self-Assessment Program designed to help older drivers with diminished driving skills make a smooth transition from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat, before tragedy has the opportunity to strike.
WHOLE BUILDING DESIGN GUIDE - SECURE SAFE
Designing buildings for security and safety requires a proactive approach that anticipates—and then protects—the building occupants, resources, structure, and continuity of operations from multiple hazards.
Insurance
CALIFORNIA EMBRACES PEDESTRIAN SAFETY LEGISLATION_INTERNATIONAL PARKING ASSOCIATION
California State Assemblyman Bill Quirk on legislation that allows insurances to offer a discount on property owners’ insurance.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A VEHICLE CRASHES INTO YOUR SMALL BUSINESS (AND WHY YOU NEED BUSINESS INSURANCE) _THE HARTFORD
Even the most careful drivers make mistakes, and with the increased use of cellphones and in-car entertainment, the risk of operator errors is on the rise. It’s more important than ever to take measures to protect your business, employees and customers from the risk of a storefront collision
IS RISK COMING AT YOU HEAD ON? BY ROB REITER_CLAIMS JOURNAL
Extreme sports are risky. Natural disasters kill hundreds every year. But it turns out going to the store, eating a burger outside a fast food joint, or enjoying a $4 cup of coffee on the patio of the local cafe can be an even more risky.
Education
WEBINAR_BOLLARD BOOT CAMP: HOW TO PROTECT PEOPLE AND PLACES FROM VEHICLE INCURSIONS_REDVECTOR.COM
Rob Reiter, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council offeres webinar that discusses what makes bollards effective safety and protective devices to build a better understanding of ASTM test standards as well as emerging state codes.
BOLLARD BOOT CAMP: SELECTION, SPECIFICATIONS AND INSTALLATION OF SAFETY AND SECURITY BARRIERS_REDVECTOR.COM
Rob Reiter, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council, reviews procedures to identify risk areas, make basic threat assessments, and have a working knowledge of ASTM test standards
Videos
ASSEMBLYMEMBER QUIRK INTERVENES TO KEEP STOREFRONTS, EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS SAFE
California State Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) authored Assembly Bill 764 which would direct the state to come up with standards for storefront barriers that would prevent vehicles from crashing into buildings.
DRIVER CRASHES INTO STARBUCKS STORE_ABC 7 CHICAGO
Retailers can INCREASE SAFETY and REDUCE RISK From Trip & Fall Incidents and Storefront Crashes by replacing wheel stops with ASTMF3016 crash tested bollards.
GROUP RECOMMENDS BARRIERS BE INSTALLED OUTSIDE DAY CARES IN ORANGE COUNTY_WFTV CHANNEL 9 (FL)
Orange County commissioners decided to move forward with a plan that will require placing barriers outside day care centers and other businesses near busy intersections.
INSTALLING THE STOREFRONT BOLLARDS BETWEEN A PARKING AREA AND A BUILDING IS LEFT TO THE OWNERS DISCRETION_ST. THOMAS JOURNAL
Ontario has no rules governing placement of storefront barriers like the ones a car reversed through last week at a London big-box store, a crash that led to a six-year-old girl’s death.
NYC TERROR ATTACK ON BICYCLE PATH_CNN INTERNATIONAL.
If you take care of safety, you will likely take care of security.
ORANGE COUNTY FL TO DISCUSS PLACING CONCRETE BARRIERS OUTSIDE OF DAY CARES_WEHT TV
Orange County Fire Rescue officials want crash prevention barriers at more childcare facilities after fatal Kindercare.
OUT OF CONTROL: CARS CRASHING INTO HOMES AND BUILDINGS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN YOU THINK_ABC WORLD NEWS TONIGHT (VIDEO)
Rob Reiter, Co-founder of the Storefront Safety Council says research suggests special barriers may prevent the more than 60 such accidents that happen every day.
SAFETY-BARRIER ORDINANCE IN ARTESIA, CALIFORNIA_CBS NEWS REPORT
Pedal error tragedy at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor becomes state safety legislation.
TEXAS A&M TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE'S LOW-SPEED BARRIER TESTING PROCEDURE_KAGS NEWS
In order to build a reusable testing vehicle that will be used in low-speed barrier crash tests, TTI utilized data from this crash test.
THE HIDDEN EPIDEMIC OF STOREFRONT CRASHES_THE ATLANTIC CITIES (VIDEO)
You might think storefront crashes are flukes. But some experts say, they’re not. They’re happening every day at an alarming rate.
Websites
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SAFETY PROFESSIONALS
For more than 100 years, we have supported occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals in their efforts to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. We provide education, advocacy, standards development and a professional community to our members in order to advance their careers and the OSH profession as a whole.
ASTM
Over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. Defined and set by the American Society for Testing and Materials, they improve the lives of millions every day. Combined with our innovative business services, they enhance performance and help everyone have confidence in the things they buy and use.
PARKGREEN
Park Green is a national leader in bringing sustainable safety, top-tier design and management practices to the parking industry in North America, Central America and South America with a combined 75 years of professional experience addressing problems of revenue, capacity, safety, environmental impacts, and reduced lifetime costs.
KEEPING US SAFE
Founded in 2008, Keeping Us Safe is an organization that provides practical, real-life solutions to older drivers and their families. Our programs are designed to save lives while simultaneously helping to ease the burden of the family as they find themselves faced with this very challenging issues.
SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
As a not-for-profit trade organization driven by volunteers, SIA provides education, certification, standards, advocacy and influential events which connect the industry.
STOREFRONTCRASHES.COM
Vehicles crash into restaurants, stores, salons, and other types of businesses all the time, often injuring and sometimes killing customers and employees. Mark Wright, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council, discovered this the hard way when he got hit in 2008. Mark is raising awareness of storefront crashes, a commonplace and preventable tragedy.
TEXAS A&M TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE
A member of The Texas A&M University System, TTI has a breadth and depth of programs, facilities and capabilities unsurpassed by any other higher-education-affiliated transportation research organization in the United States. The Institute’s research and development program has resulted in significant breakthroughs across all facets of transportation.
WHOLE BUILDING DESIGN GUIDE
The WBDG web site is offered as an assistance to the building community by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) through funding support from the Department of Defense, the NAVFAC Engineering Innovation and Criteria Office, the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Department of Energy, and the assistance of the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC). A Board of Direction and Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives from over 25 participating federal agencies guide the development of the WBDG.
BARRIERS PREVENTING STOREFRONT CRASHES AREN'T ALWAYS REQUIRED_ NEWS 6 SOUTH FLORIDA Florida has more cars crashing into buildings than nearly any other state. But efforts to prevent the vehicles from hitting buildings vary depending on where you live.
CAR ACCIDENT STATISTICS THAT MAY SURPRISE YOU_AMERIPRISE
You’ve seen the headline: Car Crashes into Building. In the U.S., it’s becoming an all-too-common occurrence, with an average of 60 such accidents each day. Every year, more than 500 people are killed when cars crash into retail outlets, restaurants, and office buildings in the U.S. That’s more than earthquakes, tornadoes and lightning combined! This infographic on car accident statistics explains why this trend is projected to grow.
CAR VS. BUILDING: STOPPING STOREFRONT CRASHES IN FLORIDA_NEWS 6 SOUTH FLORIDA
Cars crashing into storefronts is a recurring trend in Florida.
CRASHES PUT SPOTLIGHT ON INDIANA DRIVER LICENSING POLICIES
A series of crashes into storefronts in Indiana left a trail of property damage, but the drivers responsible are likely still behind the wheel because of Indiana’s policies on restricting driver’s licenses.
CURBING THE MALL DRIVE-THRU - BY RICCARDO A. DAVIS
What mall operators can do to better protect properties before the consequences of of vehicle incursions become more severe. Drivers crashing their cars through malls can do enough damage on their own destroying property and inflicting injuries.
FIREFIGHTERS RESPOND TO PADUCAH TRUCK INTO BUILDING_FIRE ENGINEER.COM
Technical Rescue Training group and building inspector add insight to creating a safe operational area after car crashes in to building.
FOR STORE PATRONS DANGER AT THE DOOR_FAIR WARNING
Although storefront crashes such as the one that took a life at Cumberland Farms in November 2010 may seem like freak accidents, they are more common than many people think.
IS YOUR STOREFRONT PREPARED FOR PEDAL ERROR? BY ROB REITER AND MARK WRIGHT_CONVENIENCE STORE NEWS Hitting the gas instead of the break. Convenience stores with nose-in parking spaces are sitting ducks because of driver “pedal error.”
LET'S ELIMINATE PARKING WHEEL STOPS AT BUSY STOREFRONTS_AVELAR & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS Wheel stops in parking facilities increase the risk of highly injurious pedestrian falls, particularly for elderly pedestrians.
STOREFRONT CRASHES INJURE THOUSANDS, KILL HUNDREDS EACH YEAR_NEWS CHANNEL 9
There is a false sense of security that many of us have in our day-to-day comings and goings at work, where we dine, shop and play.
STOREFRONT CRASHES: A BIGGER URBAN DESIGN ISSUE THAN WE THINK_MINNPOST
Most crash incursions happen when people are parking, presumably at a low speed. But they can result in horrendous injuries and even fatalities.
STOREFRONT CRASHES: WHY THEY OCCUR AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM_INTERVIEW WITH ROB REITER, CO-FOUNDER, STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL_CONVENIENCE STORE DECISIONS
Unfortunately, it happens much more often than one would think.
THE HIDDEN EPIDEMIC OF STOREFRONT CRASHES_THE ATLANTIC CITIES. Despite overwhelming evidence most Americans do not really think about how common storefront crashes actually are.
WITH STOREFRONT CRASHES, AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION GOES A LONG WAY_RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES_KY Forward by, Rob Reiter, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council, says storefront crashes are far more frequent and far more expensive for businesses and insurers than many realize.
Parking
HOW SAFE IS YOUR PARKING LOT? BY ROB REITER AND MARK WRIGHT_DEVELOPMENT MAGAZINE
While “going green” is all the rage, an under-the-radar safety problem in the space where parking lots meet buildings suggests that “going safe” is just as vital.
INNOVATIVE PARKING GARAGE SAFETY_BY MARK WRIGHT_CO-FOUNDER, STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL
Innovative design work and fabrication by their solutions providers, L.A.'s FIGat7th parking garage better protects patrons from wayward vehicles.
PARKING IS A FULL-TIME JOB_BY ROB REITER, CO-FOUNDER, STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL_TEXAS TRAFFIC INSTITUTE
The Storefront Safety Council says as many as 7,300 vehicle-into-building incursions occur at convenience stores every year. These crashes don’t have to happen. Barriers specifically designed to prevent slow-moving vehicles from crashing into a storefront are a solution to preventable tragedy
PARKING LOT SAFETY AND TRAFFIC FLOW_ARGO INSURANCE
Is your parking lot neat and well-maintained? Is it well-lighted? Is it safe? These are just a few questions to ask yourself about this heavily used area of your operation.
REDUCING PARKING LOT INJURIES, STOREFRONT CRASHES, AND TORT CLAIMS: SAFETY BOLLARDS, ADA PARKING SIGNPOSTS, AND “WHEEL STOPS” _ROB REITER AND AVELAR & ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS. Let’s all work together for greater life safety and improved accessibility by promoting safety bollards and the elimination of wheel stops at parking spaces!
SAVING LIVES AT STOREFRONT PARKING_BY ROBERT REITER, CO-FOUNDER STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL_PARKING MAGAZINE
Pedal error causes more than 4o percent of storefront crashes. At highest risk are locations where parking spaces and drive lanes are pointed directly towards storefronts where patrons and workers are most like to be exposed.
General Safety
WITH A CLEAR PATTERN OF INCIDENTS, HERE’S WHY CITIES MUST PAY ATTENTION – AND WHAT SIA IS DOING TO DRIVE AWARENESS. Why Hostile Vehicle Incidents Like Waukesha Can’t Be Ignored, by Rob Reiter for the Security Industry Association
MANAGING RISK AL FRESCO: RISK MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OUTDOOR DINING.
California Joint Powers Insurance Authority.
EASY LESSONS: A BLOG POST_MARK WRIGHT, CO-FOUNDER, STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL
Storefront Safety Council co-founder Mark Wright says, "It happened to me. It can happen to you. It’s time to prevent vehicle-into-building crashes."
FLORIDA IS ONE OF THE TOP STATES WITH VEHICLES CRASHING INTO BUILDINGS_CHANNEL 10 NEWS, FLORIDA
There is a dangerous trend that has landed Florida as one of the top three states in the country for vehicles crashing into buildings.
HITTING THE GAS: EFFORTS TO PREVENT VEHICLE-INTO-BUILDING CRASHES GAIN TRACTION ACROSS THE US_PARKING PROFESSIONAL MAGAZINE
Rob Reiter, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council says protecting buildings and people is a lot less expensive than failing to do so. Property owners and businesses—along with their insurers—are getting hit with expensive settlements following vehicle-into-building crashes that resulted in injuries and fatalities.
PEDAL ERROR CRASHES_TRAFFIC TECH - TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SERIES PUBLICATION - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Technical literature published between 1980 and 2009 included few studies regarding pedal application errors. Studies conducted using driving simulators identified two predictors of pedal errors: increased driver age and impairments in drivers’ executive function as measured by clinical tests of cognitive functioning.
SXSW CRASH RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT BARRICADE SAFETY_NPR STATION KUT
People are beginning to think the city of Austin, TX, should put more protective barriers in place.
THE OVERLOOKED THREAT OF VEHICLE-INTO-BUILDING ACCIDENTS_BY ROB REITER, CO-FOUNDER, STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL_RISK MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE
Rob Reiter, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council presents surprising statistics that highlight a largely overlooked problem that touches on premises liability, workplace safety, property and casualty insurance, and underwriting.
WE'RE SHAMEFULLY BAD AT PROTECTING PEDESTRIANS AT EVENTS_THE ATLANTIC CITIES
Nobody wants to realize you're just a drunk away from having two dead people and 20 injured
Safety Standards
KEEPING CARS AND STOREFRONTS APART_ASTM STANDARDIZATION NEWS UPDATE
The commonplace nature of such accidents signals a need for better storefront protection from errant cars.
LOW SPEED VEHICLE BARRIERS_ASTM STANDARDIZATION NEWS UPDATE
ASTM International Committee F12 on Security Systems and Equipment is developing a proposed new standard to better protect buildings and pedestrians.
NEW ASTM LOW SPEED IMPACT TESTING STANDARDS TO AID IN LOWERING RISK OF STOREFRONT CAR ACCIDENTS_ ASTM
ASTM standard F3016 will establish a penetration rating for vehicle protective devices subjected to low speed vehicle impact.
TTI PLAYS KEY ROLE IN CREATING NEW SAFETY STANDARD TO PREVENT STOREFRONT CRASHES_TTI ASTM International approves a low-speed bollard test standard designed to help save hundreds of lives and millions of dollars in property damage each year.
Legislation and Ordinances
AMHERST - 7-18-12 -DISCUSSION DRAFT
Vehicle impact protection will be required adjacent to parking spaces angled between 30 to 90 degrees relative to the adjacent structure and located less than 24 feet from specific uses.
CALIFORNIA - AB2161 - ASSEMBLYMAN BILL QUIRK – 2017
California State Assemblyman Bill Quirk on legislation that allows insurances to offer a discount on property owners’ insurance.
CITY OF ARTESIA - ORDINANCE NO. 15-817 - CALIFORNIA 2015
Requires, among other things, that “vehicle impact protection devices” be installed adjacent to parking spaces that are angled between 30 to 90 degrees relative to an adjacent outdoor pedestrian seating area. The ordinance effort was led by Artesia City Council member Victor Manolo after his mother-in-law was killed and his daughter was severely injured when a vehicle crashed into them in front of Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in nearby Buena Park.
CITY OF MALIBU - ORDINANCE NO. 403 - CALIFORNIA 2016
"City passes new parking lot safety standards ordinance. Read ordinance.
Requires “vehicle impact protection devices” in existing and future parking lots for head-in spaces within 75 feet of outdoor seating areas. Then-Mayor Pro Tem (now Mayor) Lou La Monte introduced the measure after learning of the Buena Park Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour tragedy."
MASSACHUSETTS - HOUSE BILL 2126 - 2013, 2015
Twice introduced legislation, in 2013 and 2015, to mandate the installation of barriers between certain parking spaces and retail establishments, but neither bill survived to a full vote.
MIAMI/DADE, FLORIDA - ORDINANCE NO. 120887 - APRIL 2012
Requires that head-in parking located directly adjacent to a storefront be equipped with concrete security planters with a minimum depth of 40 inches, and that buildings located there have ground-floor windowsills placed at a height of 24 to 48 inches above grade.
MIDFIELD, ALABAMA - ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 201701 - 2016-2017
Requires businesses to place a barrier in front of their building if parking is within 10 feet of the entrance to the facility. Current businesses are grandfathered in and will only have to install a barrier if they make changes to their building or parking lot. The city council passed the law after an SUV crashed into a dentist’s office, killing 6-year-old Camlyn Lee.
ORANGE COUNTY, FLORIDA - ORDINANCE - 2016-09 - 2016
Requires childcare facilities to have safety barriers in exposed areas. The measure came as a response to the 2014 death of Lily Quintus, and serious injury of several other children, when a vehicle crashed into a childcare center in the county. Orange County also established the Lily Quintus Childcare Center Vehicle Impact Grant, providing up to $10,000 to assist childcare centers with installing safety barriers in front of their buildings.
VEHICULAR TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2017_US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to examine what actions the Department of Homeland Security is undertaking to combat the threat of vehicular terrorism, and for other purposes.
VEHICULAR TERRORISM PREVENTION ACT OF 2018_US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Updated. To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to examine what actions the Department of Homeland Security is undertaking to combat the threat of vehicular terrorism, and for other purposes.
ARTICLE_CALIFORNIA EMBRACES PEDESTRIAN SAFETY LEGISLATION_INTERNATIONAL PARKING ASSOCIATION
California State Assemblyman Bill Quirk on legislation that allows insurances to offer a discount on property owners’ insurance.
ARTICLE_ORDINANCES SEEK SAFER STOREFRONT PARKING AREAS_MARK WRIGHT_STOREFRONT SAFETY COUNCIL
Helping architects and building officials to understand the high probability for ‘curb over’ accidents and available remedies will help them to adopt measures that will save lives for years to come.
Solutions and Best Practices
FRONT PARKING SPACES AND BUILDING PROTECTION_ARGO INSURANCE
Even if codes do not require building owners to install protective barriers on premises with parking spaces directly in front of the building, common law can obligate storekeepers to protect their customers from those hazards which are foreseeable.
OLDER DRIVERS CRASHING INTO BUILDINGS AND PEDESTRIANS: THERE IS A SOLUTION!_THE LEGAL EXAMINER
Matt Gurwell, founder of Keeping Us Safe and retired Ohio State Trooper explains the ‘Enhanced Self-Assessment Program designed to help older drivers with diminished driving skills make a smooth transition from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat, before tragedy has the opportunity to strike.
WHOLE BUILDING DESIGN GUIDE - SECURE SAFE
Designing buildings for security and safety requires a proactive approach that anticipates—and then protects—the building occupants, resources, structure, and continuity of operations from multiple hazards.
Insurance
CALIFORNIA EMBRACES PEDESTRIAN SAFETY LEGISLATION_INTERNATIONAL PARKING ASSOCIATION
California State Assemblyman Bill Quirk on legislation that allows insurances to offer a discount on property owners’ insurance.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A VEHICLE CRASHES INTO YOUR SMALL BUSINESS (AND WHY YOU NEED BUSINESS INSURANCE) _THE HARTFORD
Even the most careful drivers make mistakes, and with the increased use of cellphones and in-car entertainment, the risk of operator errors is on the rise. It’s more important than ever to take measures to protect your business, employees and customers from the risk of a storefront collision
IS RISK COMING AT YOU HEAD ON? BY ROB REITER_CLAIMS JOURNAL
Extreme sports are risky. Natural disasters kill hundreds every year. But it turns out going to the store, eating a burger outside a fast food joint, or enjoying a $4 cup of coffee on the patio of the local cafe can be an even more risky.
Education
WEBINAR_BOLLARD BOOT CAMP: HOW TO PROTECT PEOPLE AND PLACES FROM VEHICLE INCURSIONS_REDVECTOR.COM
Rob Reiter, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council offeres webinar that discusses what makes bollards effective safety and protective devices to build a better understanding of ASTM test standards as well as emerging state codes.
BOLLARD BOOT CAMP: SELECTION, SPECIFICATIONS AND INSTALLATION OF SAFETY AND SECURITY BARRIERS_REDVECTOR.COM
Rob Reiter, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council, reviews procedures to identify risk areas, make basic threat assessments, and have a working knowledge of ASTM test standards
Videos
ASSEMBLYMEMBER QUIRK INTERVENES TO KEEP STOREFRONTS, EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS SAFE
California State Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) authored Assembly Bill 764 which would direct the state to come up with standards for storefront barriers that would prevent vehicles from crashing into buildings.
DRIVER CRASHES INTO STARBUCKS STORE_ABC 7 CHICAGO
Retailers can INCREASE SAFETY and REDUCE RISK From Trip & Fall Incidents and Storefront Crashes by replacing wheel stops with ASTMF3016 crash tested bollards.
GROUP RECOMMENDS BARRIERS BE INSTALLED OUTSIDE DAY CARES IN ORANGE COUNTY_WFTV CHANNEL 9 (FL)
Orange County commissioners decided to move forward with a plan that will require placing barriers outside day care centers and other businesses near busy intersections.
INSTALLING THE STOREFRONT BOLLARDS BETWEEN A PARKING AREA AND A BUILDING IS LEFT TO THE OWNERS DISCRETION_ST. THOMAS JOURNAL
Ontario has no rules governing placement of storefront barriers like the ones a car reversed through last week at a London big-box store, a crash that led to a six-year-old girl’s death.
NYC TERROR ATTACK ON BICYCLE PATH_CNN INTERNATIONAL.
If you take care of safety, you will likely take care of security.
ORANGE COUNTY FL TO DISCUSS PLACING CONCRETE BARRIERS OUTSIDE OF DAY CARES_WEHT TV
Orange County Fire Rescue officials want crash prevention barriers at more childcare facilities after fatal Kindercare.
OUT OF CONTROL: CARS CRASHING INTO HOMES AND BUILDINGS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN YOU THINK_ABC WORLD NEWS TONIGHT (VIDEO)
Rob Reiter, Co-founder of the Storefront Safety Council says research suggests special barriers may prevent the more than 60 such accidents that happen every day.
SAFETY-BARRIER ORDINANCE IN ARTESIA, CALIFORNIA_CBS NEWS REPORT
Pedal error tragedy at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor becomes state safety legislation.
TEXAS A&M TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE'S LOW-SPEED BARRIER TESTING PROCEDURE_KAGS NEWS
In order to build a reusable testing vehicle that will be used in low-speed barrier crash tests, TTI utilized data from this crash test.
THE HIDDEN EPIDEMIC OF STOREFRONT CRASHES_THE ATLANTIC CITIES (VIDEO)
You might think storefront crashes are flukes. But some experts say, they’re not. They’re happening every day at an alarming rate.
Websites
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SAFETY PROFESSIONALS
For more than 100 years, we have supported occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals in their efforts to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. We provide education, advocacy, standards development and a professional community to our members in order to advance their careers and the OSH profession as a whole.
ASTM
Over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. Defined and set by the American Society for Testing and Materials, they improve the lives of millions every day. Combined with our innovative business services, they enhance performance and help everyone have confidence in the things they buy and use.
PARKGREEN
Park Green is a national leader in bringing sustainable safety, top-tier design and management practices to the parking industry in North America, Central America and South America with a combined 75 years of professional experience addressing problems of revenue, capacity, safety, environmental impacts, and reduced lifetime costs.
KEEPING US SAFE
Founded in 2008, Keeping Us Safe is an organization that provides practical, real-life solutions to older drivers and their families. Our programs are designed to save lives while simultaneously helping to ease the burden of the family as they find themselves faced with this very challenging issues.
SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
As a not-for-profit trade organization driven by volunteers, SIA provides education, certification, standards, advocacy and influential events which connect the industry.
STOREFRONTCRASHES.COM
Vehicles crash into restaurants, stores, salons, and other types of businesses all the time, often injuring and sometimes killing customers and employees. Mark Wright, Co-founder, Storefront Safety Council, discovered this the hard way when he got hit in 2008. Mark is raising awareness of storefront crashes, a commonplace and preventable tragedy.
TEXAS A&M TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE
A member of The Texas A&M University System, TTI has a breadth and depth of programs, facilities and capabilities unsurpassed by any other higher-education-affiliated transportation research organization in the United States. The Institute’s research and development program has resulted in significant breakthroughs across all facets of transportation.
WHOLE BUILDING DESIGN GUIDE
The WBDG web site is offered as an assistance to the building community by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) through funding support from the Department of Defense, the NAVFAC Engineering Innovation and Criteria Office, the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Department of Energy, and the assistance of the Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC). A Board of Direction and Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives from over 25 participating federal agencies guide the development of the WBDG.