Storefront Protection & Compliance: Safety Laws & Crash Prevention

Storefront crashes—incidents where vehicles collide with commercial buildings—are a significant and growing concern for businesses. These crashes can cause severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. Often, they result from driver error, mechanical failures, or impaired driving. Businesses with parking spaces directly in front of their entrances are at a higher risk.

Implementing protective measures, such as installing crash-rated bollards, is crucial in mitigating these risks. However, many business owners remain unaware of the safety regulations and legal implications associated with storefront protection. This article will break down essential safety laws, compliance requirements, and best practices to help business owners safeguard their establishments effectively.

Storefront Crash Statistics – Understanding the Scope

How Big Is the Problem?

Storefront crashes are more prevalent than many realize. According to the Storefront Safety Council, these incidents occur more than 100 times per day in the United States, resulting in approximately 16,000 injuries and 2,600 fatalities annually. These numbers highlight a widespread safety issue that can have devastating consequences for businesses, employees, and customers.

Common Causes of Storefront Crashes

While there are many factors that can contribute to storefront accidents, these are some of the most common:

• Pedal Error – When drivers mistake the gas pedal for the brake.
• Medical Emergencies – Sudden medical conditions causing drivers to lose control.
• Drunk or Impaired Driving – Intoxicated drivers are more likely to crash into storefronts.
• Mechanical Failures – Brake failures or sudden accelerations.
• Poor Parking Lot Design – Lack of barriers between parking spaces and storefront entrances.

With such a high frequency of incidents, businesses should proactively implement protective measures to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Learn more about enhancing storefront safety and effective risk mitigation strategies.

Storefront Safety Regulations & Compliance Laws

National Safety Codes and ASTM F3016

To address the dangers posed by vehicle-into-building crashes, safety standards like ASTM F3016 have been developed. This standard provides a test method for evaluating the impact performance of safety barriers designed to protect storefronts from low-speed vehicle collisions.

It classifies barriers based on their ability to withstand impacts varying speeds:

• S10 Rating: 10 mph impact protection
• S20 Rating: 20 mph impact protection
• S30 Rating: 30 mph impact protection

The standard ensures that protective barriers can effectively absorb the force of a vehicle crash and prevent it from reaching the storefront. Of course, a bollard’s speed rating is only part of the equation. The penetration rating also plays a significant role in determining the effectiveness of a crash-rated bollard.

Compliance Variations by Region

Compliance with storefront safety regulations varies significantly based on country, state, and municipality. Some jurisdictions have specific ordinances mandating the installation of protective barriers in high-risk areas.

For example:

• Midfield, Alabama: Requires businesses with parking spaces within 10 feet of entrances to install barriers after a fatal storefront crash.
• California: Several cities have adopted stricter safety standards for parking lot designs and barrier installations.
• New York: Regulations for urban storefronts emphasize pedestrian safety with crash-resistant barriers.

Business owners must stay informed about local regulations and industry safety codes to ensure compliance and minimize legal risks.

Liability Risks: Consequences of Non-Compliance

Legal Implications of Storefront Crashes

Businesses may be held liable for storefront crashes under premises liability laws, which require property owners to maintain a safe environment for employees and customers. When businesses fail to implement adequate protective measures, they can face:

• Lawsuits from injured victims
• Expensive settlements or court-ordered compensation
• Fines and penalties from regulatory agencies
• Reputational damage affecting customer trust

Case Study: The 7-Eleven Lawsuit

One of the most well-known cases highlighting storefront crash liability involved 7-Eleven, where a victim was awarded $91 million after being hit by a vehicle outside a store. The court found 7-Eleven liable due to the absence of protective barriers, even though the crash was caused by driver error.

Lessons for Business Owners

• Ignoring storefront protection can result in massive financial liability.
• Installing ASTM F3016 rated bollards is a cost-effective risk mitigation strategy.
• Failure to act on known risks may result in legal repercussions.

Compliance Best Practices – Steps to Secure Your Storefront

Conducting a Storefront Risk Assessment

• Identify high-risk areas (e.g., parking lots, drive-thru lanes, crosswalks).
• Assess traffic flow and pedestrian activity.
• Evaluate previous incidents or near misses.
• Determine the appropriate level of protection needed based on risk factors.

Determining the appropriate level of protection involves considering impact risks, penetration ratings, and site-specific needs. Read more about crash-rated bollard site planning to ensure optimal placement and effectiveness.

Implementing Protective Measures

• Install crash-rated bollards at all high-risk areas.
• Use reinforced curbs to redirect vehicle movement.
• Design parking lots strategically to minimize direct vehicle access to storefronts.

Installing crash-rated bollards is one of the most effective ways to protect storefronts from vehicle incursions. Discover the different types of safety bollards and their role in pedestrian and storefront protection

Ensuring Proper Installation and Maintenance

• Work with certified installers to ensure compliance with ASTM F3016 standards.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify wear or damage.
• Maintain bollards and barriers to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

Understanding and adhering to storefront safety regulations is vital for protecting people and property. Installing crash-rated bollards and other protective measures can reduce legal risks and enhance overall safety. Staying informed about evolving regulations and industry best practices ensures that businesses remain compliant and secure against potential liabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)