Study: Vehicles Crash Into Storefronts More Than 100 Times Per Day In The U.S., Leading To Injuries And Deaths (Here’s How To Prevent Them)

Vehicles crash into buildings with surprising frequency in the United States: more than 100 times each day, with nearly half of those causing injuries.

That’s according to research by the Storefront Safety Council, an online resource dedicated to promoting storefront safety and reducing the number of accidents and injuries that occur in and around commercial storefronts. More than half of the crashes, according to the council, occur at retail shops, restaurants, or convenience stores, with as many as 16,000 people injured each year, and as many as 2,600 people killed.

More than 40% of the crashes are caused by a “pedal error” or other operator error, according to the council, but in one out of 10 cases, the crash is considered intentional, as thieves use a vehicle to smash into a building in order to steal merchandise, cash, or entire ATMs. Some drivers may be distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, while others may simply be driving too fast or not paying attention to the road.

The report cites 7-Eleven stores as being particularly vulnerable to these types of accidents, with the convenience store chain seeing an average of one storefront crash per day across its more than 9,000 locations in the United States.

Storefront crashes can cause significant damage and often result in injuries or even fatalities. They can also disrupt business operations and cause financial losses for store owners.

To address this issue, there is a growing movement to promote storefront safety and encourage businesses to take action to prevent these types of accidents. Here are some proven strategies to prevent storefront crashes and injuries as a result:

• Installing bollards: Bollards are sturdy vertical posts that can be installed in front of a storefront to prevent vehicles from crashing into it. They are typically made of steel or concrete and can be designed to blend in with the surrounding environment.
• Use reinforced glass: Reinforced glass is designed to be more resistant to impact than regular glass. Installing reinforced glass in a storefront can help prevent damage and injuries in the event of a crash.
• Install barriers: In addition to bollards, other types of barriers, such as planter boxes or decorative fencing, can be used to prevent vehicles from crashing into a storefront.
• Provide adequate lighting: Good lighting can help drivers see the storefront and avoid crashes. It can also deter criminal activity that might involve a vehicle crashing into the storefront.
• Train employees: Employees should be trained to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity or potential safety hazards.
• Follow safety codes: Make sure your storefront is up to code and meets safety standards for your area. This may include regulations on building materials, fire safety, and accessibility.
• Consider location: When choosing a storefront location, consider the potential for crashes. Avoid high-traffic areas and look for a location with plenty of space between the road and the storefront.

“Storefront crashes are a serious issue that affects businesses and communities across the United States, including in Kern County,” said Matt Clark, managing partner and attorney at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “By taking action to improve storefront safety, we can help prevent these types of accidents and create safer, more secure communities for everyone.”

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.