Accidental Vehicle Impacts Are a Design Problem

Not every vehicle-into-building incident is intentional. In fact, the majority are the result of everyday, unintentional events such as:

• Pedal misapplication
• Medical emergencies
• Loss of vehicle control during parking or low-speed maneuvers

These incidents may be unpredictable in timing — but their consequences are well documented.

The Scale of the Problem

According to data cited by the Storefront Safety Council, accidental vehicle impacts occur approximately 100 times per day in the United States. Each year, these incidents:

• Result in around 2,600 fatalities
• Cause more than 16,000 injuries
• Generate millions of dollars in property damage, business interruption, and legal costs

These are not rare anomalies; they are a persistent and nationwide safety issue affecting commercial properties of all types.

Why “Low-Speed” Doesn’t Mean Low Risk

Even at low speeds, vehicles carry substantial kinetic energy. When storefronts are positioned directly adjacent to parking areas or roadways, that energy is transferred instantly into glazing systems, structural framing, and occupants inside the building.

Protective design engineering mitigates this risk by:

• Introducing controlled setbacks
• Installing impact-rated protective barriers
• Designing systems that absorb and dissipate energy rather than transferring it into the structure

Design for Reality, Not Assumptions

A common assumption is that “it probably won’t happen here.” However, data from both urban and suburban environments shows that accidental impacts occur everywhere — from strip malls and medical offices to restaurants and retail storefronts.

Engineering-based storefront protection recognizes this reality and designs accordingly.

Security Engineering as Preventive Design

Security engineering is not driven by fear — it is driven by foresight. By integrating protective systems early in the design process, or retrofitting them correctly, property owners can significantly reduce risk without compromising accessibility or aesthetics.

Security engineering firms such as PNH Sec specialize in seamlessly integrating protective solutions into the built environment while maintaining performance and compliance standards.

Learn more about their approach at: https://pnhsec.com