Retail Store Safety - Crash Prevention

Suburban Park to Get Security Boulders

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:26:00 +0000

Fort Scott Park (Arlington, Va.) photo courtesy of Kit Whitely

Congratulations to Kit Whitely and the entire Arlington Ridge Civic Association (ARCA) in Arlington, Virginia. They were victorious in persuading the Arlington County Parks and Recreation Commission recently to fund the installation of boulders in Fort Scott Park as a safety barrier between the parking lot and Fort Scott Drive.

ARCA had requested a $6,050 Park Enhancement Grant for the boulders in response to a 2009 pedestrian fatality. A car went out of control in the park's parking lot. The vehicle was “launched” over the edge of the parking lot curb, rolled down the hill, ran over a pedestrian in the sidewalk who was walking his dog, and crashed into a house across the street. The park's lot was apparently often used as a venue for driver training-related parking lessons—and this one went tragically wrong.

The photo above shows the hill down which the car rolled. The pedestrians on the sidewalk and vehicles in the street were completely unprotected from the type of crash that occurred. Staff from Arlington County's Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources will determine the locations of the boulders to create a natural appearance while also creating a barrier to hopefully stop cars from going down the slope. The installation is planned for this year.

Parking Education to Get Push

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:23:00 +0000

The International Parking Institute (IPI) announced a new partnership January 3rd with the Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Safety and Education (MAFSE), which is affiliated with AAA Mid-Atlantic, “to collaborate on the development of parking education programs for drivers.”

“Being knowledgeable about parking is an essential and often undervalued part of being a good driver,” explains Shawn Conrad, executive director of IPI.

I was especially interested to read that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says “parking-related crashes account for more than 20 percent of automobile insurance claims.”

Read IPI's full announcement here.

Iraq Vet Killed in Starbucks Crash

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:25:00 +0000

Image: The Fillmore Gazette

Fillmore, CA: A 30-year-old off-duty deputy sheriff crashed his SUV into a Los Angeles-area Starbucks last night after he apparently fell asleep at the wheel, killing Sergio Mendez, a 30-year-old Iraq war veteran who was pinned between the vehicle and an internal wall in the Starbucks.

According to The Fillmore Gazette, the Dec. 13, 2011, crash sent the SUV “through the east wall of the business, traversed through the customer lobby area, and came to rest inside at the front door.”

Two other Starbucks patrons were injured during the crash, though neither seriously, according to ABC News. The vehicle's impact was reportedly so strong that officials had to red-tag the building.

More details: Los Angeles Times | KTLA-TV

[Thanks to Charles Carter for the heads-up on this news!]

GMA Spotlights a Close Call

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:51:00 +0000

Thanks to Helen Sullivan, communications counsel at the International Parking Institute, for sending me the link for this video from yesterday's ABC Good Morning America show that captures a December 2, 2011, crash into a San Diego, California restaurant.

It's a classic scenario: The driver reportedly hits the gas pedal instead of the brake as she pulls into a parking spot in front of a restaurant. Her car bounces right up over the shallow curb and launches through the glass doors — plowing directly into a man who's exiting through those doors — and crashes inside, barely missing other patrons but sending chairs and tables flying.

I wince every time I watch it (having stood in that guy's shoes, so to speak) — but he reportedly avoids serious injury, as do all the other people involved. That's what I'd call a miracle!

Recent Crash Examples - November 20, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 01:36:00 +0000

(Image: abclocal.go.com/wpvi - So. Philadelphia, Nov. 4, 2011)

A quick posting of 10 recent examples.

Kilgore, TX: Three hospitalized when driver crashes SUV into auto parts store (CBS19 - November 19, 2011)

Salem, OR: 36-year-old driver crashes through front windows of UPS store (StatesmanJournal - November 15, 2011)

S. Philadelphia, PA: 81-year-old driver dies after crashing into clothing store (ABC - November 4, 2011)

Medford, MA: Two injured when SUV slams into vacant store (Patch.com - November 2, 2011)

Durant, OK: 18-year-old driver loses control of truck, crashes into donut shop (KXII-TV - October 27, 2011)

Byron Twp., MI 30-year-old driver careens into motorcycle shop, narrowly missing employee (MLive.com - October 26, 2011)

Boston, MA: Driver injured after crashing his vehicle into Sewfisticated Discount Fabrics (Boston Globe - October 23, 2011)

S. Daytona, FL: 74-year-old driver's pedal confusion results in crash through front of thrift store (MyFoxOrlando - October 20, 2011)

Sherwood, OR: SUV crashes through front wall of Sleighbells Christmas store and into the main counter (KPTV - September 26, 2011)

Mission Viejo, CA: Rock 'n Road Cyclery crash witnesses say fatalities narrowly avoided when senior driver crashes through store — only a week after it had been remodeled. (Patch.com - September 14, 2011)

Thanks to WBFO 88.7!

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 21:54:00 +0000

Welcome to visitors finding StorefrontCrashes.com via Eileen Buckley's Oct. 7th story on WBFO 88.7FM about Buffalo's recent rash of vehicle-into-building crashes!

Sincere sympathies to the people and businesses affected by these crashes in your region, with special condolences for the loved ones of those who were lost.

Tragedy is hard to accept under any circumstances, but all the more so when you know that this type of accident just should not happen.

We take our safety for granted — especially when we're in a restaurant or other business — until reality literally comes crashing in at us. It's quite a shock.

Please feel free to leave a comment or drop me an email (mark -at- storefrontcrashes -dot- com) if you need a hand tracking down info as your community grapples with how to respond to — and hopefully prevent — the storefront crash problem. I'll help in any way I can.

Meanwhile, please be safe. And thanks again to WBFO!
–Mark

NY Town to Explore Crash Barriers

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:20:00 +0000

After a rash of storefront crashes in western New York state — including one that resulted in two fatalities — the Town of Amherst had apparently seen enough. The town board directed its planning staff last week to begin modifying site plan regulations to require barriers or other protective devices for new construction, according to BuffaloNews.com.

This is the first municipality I've heard of to take such a step, although I need to research this nationally to see if other jurisdictions have explored, proposed, or passed similar requirements. For now, this stands as an excellent — albeit still unfolding — case study of local government action. I'll share more details as they become available.

Many thanks to Eileen Buckley, news director at NPR station WBFO 88.7FM, for alerting me to this development. She interviewed me this afternoon for a story that will air tomorrow morning.

Recent Crash Examples - September 9, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:43:00 +0000

Image: Pasadena Fire Dept. via Crown City News

A long overdue update, with 25 examples.

Temple, TX: Driver crashes into convenience store entrance (Temple Daily Telegram - September 9, 2011)

Boston, MA: Police car crashes into building (Fox News - September 9, 2011)

Wyandotte, MI: Medical condition suspected in 88-year-old driver's crash—twice—into AAA insurance building; he then "accelerated across the parking lot, struck a pole and eventually his car came to a rest after striking a parked vehicle" (Oakland Press - September 7, 2011)

Kansas City, MO: Carjacking victim slams into police garage—with suspect clinging to car hood (K.C. Star - September 6, 2011)

Ashwaubenon, MI: 66-year-old driver crashes into UPS Store while trying to park; resulting fire causes strip mall's evacuation (WBAY - September 6, 2011)

Jacksonville, FL: Two-car collision—including police cruiser—sends both into building (Florida Times-Union - August 31, 2011)

Beaumont, TX: 82-year-old driver injures three during crash into Cracker Barrel restaurant (KFDM - August 26, 2011)

Seattle, WA: Gunmen crash into building during police chase (KOMO- August 26, 2011)

Gallup, NM: One killed, three injured, when tanker truck crashes into Sun Loan offices (Navajo Times - August 25, 2011)

Fresno, CA: Stabbing victim dies after crashing into building (KMPH - August 24, 2011)

Pomona, CA: Truck driver falls asleep, veers off road into Caltrans building at 55 mph (NBC LA - August 24, 2011)

Stillwater, OK: Dump truck swerves to avoid collision, slams into Thomas Autos building (NewsPress - August 23, 2011)

Beaverton, OR: 32-year-old driver suffers seizure, crashes car into sushi restaurant (Beaverton P.D. [PDF] - August 22, 2011)

Pinckney, MI: 18-year-old driver runs stop, goes airborne, plows into Best Entertainment building (Livingston Daily - August 19, 2011)

Pittsburgh, PA: Driver plows into Pittsburgh Cultural Trust building, says foot got stuck on gas pedal (CBS - August 16, 2011)

Trenton, NJ: Carjacking victim sends SUV careening into building while she bails out (Trentonian - August 3, 2011)

Novato, CA: Two-car collision sends one through wall of soon-to-be Chipotle restaurant (Novato Patch - August 2, 2011)

Pasadena, CA: Driver injured after plowing all the way into a production company building (Crown City News - August 2, 2011) — See photo above.

Goldvein, VA: Two-car crash at gas station/convenience store damages pump, store entrance (Goldvein Vol. F.D. - August 2, 2011)

Clinton, MD: 39-year-old driver crashes SUV into dermatologist's waiting room (Fox News + Gazette - August 1, 2011)

Seattle, WA: Driver crashes over ledge into Big Fish Games building (Seattle PI - July 27, 2011)

San Diego, CA: Accidental acceleration suspected after driver crashes into vacant storefront (10News - July 10, 2011)

New York, NY: Two-vehicle collision sends one car through storefront of Sleepy's mattress store, injuring two (Sheepshead Bites - July 2, 2011)

Beaver, PA: 85-year-old driver mistakenly pulled forward instead of backward, smashing through photo studio's entrance and narrowly missing owner and customer (Beaver Countian - July 1, 2011)

Haverford Twp., PA: Driver confuses pedals, crashes into jewelry store (Mainline Media News - July 1, 2011)

Correction: The Santa Clarita, CA accident example ('Driver crashes into gas station following police pursuit') listed in June was mistakenly dated as having been reported July 17, but should have read 'June 17...'

International Parking Institute Puts 'Pain in the Glass' on August 2011 Cover

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:34:00 +0000

Thanks to the International Parking Institute's publications staff for making the article I wrote for the August issue of The Parking Professional their cover story! They put a catchy headline on it—“Preventing a Pain in the Glass”—and worked up an eye-grabbing cover image.

The visibility helps educate a lot more people—especially those who are in a position to implement solutions. I'll be sending article reprints to a variety of stakeholders and decision makers with a letter seeking their assistance.

Most IPI members and subscribers have received their hard copy of the magazine in the mail by now. The online version will no doubt appear on IPI's website—Parking.org—before long.

Google's Blogger platform doesn't have a place to host the file here, so just email me (mark 'at' storefrontcrashes.com) if you'd like a PDF copy, or visit the 'samples' page of my business website (WrightsContent.com) to download the PDF (3.5MB) directly.

Image: International Parking Institute

Recent Crash Examples - June 30, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:12:00 +0000

Photo: Toms River News - June 5, 2011

Forty examples this time, including one from Australia and one in the U.K.

Cedar Rapids, IA: Crash into convenience store being investigated (The Gazette - June 29, 2011)

Knoxville, TN: Driver crashes into liquor store following medical issue (WATE - June 29, 2011)

Kidderminster, Worcester, UK: Police car crashes into audio-video shop—then leaves (NewsToday - June 27, 2011)

Lakeside, CA: SUV crashes into McDonald's play area (CBS8 - June 26, 2011)

Denison, TX: 86-year-old driver hits National Guard building (KTEN - June 26, 2011 - via Steve Moll)

San Jose, CA: Two nursing home residents die, two others hospitalized, after 90-year-old driver crashes car into activity room (ABC7 - video - June 25, 2011; update Mercury News - June 26, 2011; Mercury News reports criminal charges being considered - June 27, 2011)

Yeadon, PA: Charges filed against hit-and-run driver who crashed into 7-Eleven employee (voy.com - June 25, 2011; 6ABC - June 24, 2011)

Greenwich, CT: Accidental acceleration suspected in senior driver's backwards crash into Sophia's Costumes (Greenwich Time - June 25, 2011)

Jeannette, PA: Car crashes into Fox's Pizza (WPXI - June 24, 2011)

Seattle, WA: Taxi driver crashes into bank lobby (KIRO - June 24, 2011 - via Steve Moll)

Lorain, OH: Car crashes into Dollar General store (19 Action News - June 23, 2011)

Melrose, MA: 76-year-old driver crashes into Rite Aid pharmacy, injuring two employees (MyFoxBoston - June 22, 2011)

Denver, CO: Driver cited after dog jumps in her lap, causing her to crash into Dollar Tree store (KDVR - June 21, 2011)

Swatara Twp., PA: Driver injured during crash into mattress store (PennLive - June 21, 2011)

Minneapolis, MN: Driver crashes stolen SUV into convenience store during police pursuit (CBS Minnesota - June 21, 2011)

Southport, Queensland, Australia: University student blames bright sunlight for his crash through the front of a music shop (Goldcoast - June 20, 2011)

East Peoria, IL: 20-year-old driver crashes truck into sports bar (PJStar - June 20, 2011 - via Steve Moll)

Plano, TX: Driver loses control, slams into pet shop (KHOU - June 18, 2011)

Bellevue, WA: Driver in her 30s confuses pedals, crashes into Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop, injuring two (KIRO - June 17, 2011)

Chula Vista, CA: DUI suspected in woman's late-night crash through storefront (10News - June 17, 2011)

Santa Clarita, CA: Driver crashes into gas station following police pursuit (FresnoBee - July 17, 2011)

Madison, WI: Car crashes into thrift store (NBC15 - June 16, 2011)

Bridgehampton, NY: 65-year-old driver confuses gas & brake, smashes SUV into Carvel ice cream parlor (27East - June 15, 2011)

Wichita, KS: Car plows into liquor store (KAKE - June 15, 2011)

Beaverton, OR: 51-year-old driver mistakes pedals, crashes into Safeway (KATU - June 15, 2011 - via Steve Moll)

North Knoxville, TN: Two-vehicle collision sends SUV into consignment shop (WBIR - June 14, 2011)

Bridgeport, CT: Driver in his 70s crashes into convenience store (Acorn Online - June 13, 2011)

Arlington, VA: Elderly driver crashes into beauty salon (ARL now - June 13, 2011)

La Mesa, CA: Two-vehicle collision in parking lot sends car into veterinary clinic (Patch - June 12, 2011)

Suwanee, GA: Walmart employee charged after deliberately crashing into store (AccessNorthGA - June 11, 2011)

Elizabeth, CO: Two-car collision sends vehicle through front window of Curves store (9News - June 8, 2011)

Lexington, KY: Pedal confusion sends driver crashing into music store (WKYT - June 6, 2011)

Toms River, NJ: (See top photo) 19-year-old driver charged with DUI after smashing into room at Holiday Inn, pinning the room's sleeping occupant against wall (Toms River News - June 5, 2011 - via Steve Moll)

Gary, IN: Two-vehicle crash sends SUV into resale shop, doing extensive damage (Post-Tribune - June 5, 2011)

Greensboro, NC: 'Ninja' crashes into Apple store in apparent theft attempt (MyFox8 - June 3, 2011)

Layton, UT: Driver crashes car into comic book store in a "high speed u-turn" (ABC4 - June 3, 2011)

Victor, MT: 92-year-old driver confuses pedals while trying to park, crashes into beauty salon (Ravalli Republic - June 2, 2011)

King of Prussia, PA: Thieves crash into business during police pursuit (Philly.com - June 1, 2011)

Topeka, KS: Driver crashes into grocery store in anger over shopping cart (KAKE - June 1, 2011)

Paoli, PA: Driver's alleged pedal confusion sends car into new Shoppe Flare store (Mainline Media News - May 23, 2011; update & video of shop owner interview via Patch - June 22, 2011)

Recent Crash Examples - May 31, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:48:00 +0000

Photo: Pasadena Fire Dept. via Pasadena Star News

Fifteen more crashes for the record books—12 in the U.S., 2 in Canada, 1 in the U.K.

Birmingham, MI: Elderly driver crashes through front window of exotic car dealership, damaging $80k Lotus (WXYZ ABC7 - May 31, 2011)

Toronto, ON, Canada: Taxi driver accidentally accelerates backward through window of Hotel Le Germain (CP24 - May 27, 2011)

Pasadena, CA: Driver crashes Prius into martial arts studio while parking, trapping employee in elevator—see photo above (Pasadena Star News - May 26, 2011) [Thanks to Mark Sillings for this tip.]

Naugatuck, CT: Thieves crash stolen car into convenience store for ATM heist. “Everything was messed up,” Ali Balal of the Sun Food Mart told News8. “My coolers and like all that stuff. It took them less than 30 seconds to take everything.” (WTNH News8 - May 25, 2011)

Oak Lawn, IL: 52-year-old bicyclist dies after crashing through window of vacant store (CBS Chicago - May 24, 2011)

New York, NY: SUV crashes into 99-cent store, prompting the distraught owner to comment: “I don’t know what I’m going to do now...This is a big headache for me. Just last week, another car ran into a store. This corner is very very bad for traffic.” (Patch - May 24, 2011)

Federal Way, WA: Driver's pedal confusion sends SUV smashing into Water to Go shop—where customers had just been standing (Federal Way Mirror - May 23, 2011)

New York, NY: Driver hits gas while accidentally leaving SUV in reverse gear, sending her through Rite Aid's windows, wall and into check-out stations, injuring two cashiers (NY Post & WCAX - May 23, 2011)

Toms River, NJ: 58-year-old driver cited after hitting gas instead of brake and crashing into man on bench, pushing him into store; two injured (Toms River NJ Online - May 22, 2011)

New York, NY: Two-vehicle collision sends U-Haul truck into building (Patch - May 22, 2011)

Chicago, IL: Two dead in two-car collision that sent one car into wall of check cashing store (ABC7 - May 22, 2011)

Wheaton, MD: Transit bus crashes into KFC restaurant (NBC Washington - May 20, 2011)

Springfield, OH: SUV crashes into elementary school (Springfield News-Sun - May 20, 2011)

Colchester, Suffolk, UK: 87-year-old driver succumbs months after he killed 16-year-old pedestrian in crash that pinned her against clothing store wall (EADT - May 17, 2011)

Langley, BC, Canada: Police officer loses control of cruiser and slams into restaurant wall (Langley Advance - May 6, 2011)

Drivers Sentenced After Two Horrific Crashes

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Sat, 21 May 2011 12:20:00 +0000

Two drivers, one in California and one in Washington, D.C., recently received jail time as a result of DUI and other charges filed after they injured and killed pedestrians while crashing into restaurants.

A driver who ran over three teenagers and two adults before crashing into Cass Street Cafe & Bakery in La Jolla, California, last August was sentenced earlier this month to almost 17 years in prison. He was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash. Details: 10News

The drunk driver who struck and killed a pedestrian before crashing into Keren Restaurant in Washington, D.C., last September was sentenced to three years and four months in jail May 16, 2011.
Details: dcist | Washington Post

Image: U.S. Bureau of Prisons

Unintended 'Lunging' Prompts Ford Freestyle Investigation

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Fri, 20 May 2011 19:10:00 +0000

If you own a 2005-2007 Ford Freestyle—or you're walking past one that's maneuvering into or out of a parking space—be extra careful. Reports of unintended acceleration have spurred a federal investigation.

According to Automotive News, "The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating about 170,000 Freestyles, representing model years 2005 through 2007, after 18 crashes attributed to the defect, including one that resulted in a minor injury, the agency said [May 11, 2011] in a posting on its website."

Photo: Edmunds.com

Recent Crash Examples - May 16, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Mon, 16 May 2011 22:39:00 +0000

I've found 50 crashes via Google since the last update about a month ago; 45 in the U.S., 5 in other nations. My eyes are crossing, so that's all the searching for today. –Mark

Delray Beach, FL: Driver crashes into electronics store while trying to park (WPTV - May 16, 2011)

New York, NY: Cab crashes into Starbucks (Gothamist - May 15, 2011)

Enfield, CT: Two-vehicle crash sends car into deli (Patch - May 14, 2011)

Cedar Rapids, IA: 15-year-old driver attempts to flee after crashing into Nutri-Sport store (KGAN CBS2 - May 12, 2011)

Morrisville, NC: 27-year-old driver shifts into drive instead of reverse while attempting to pull out of parking spot; does $40k in damage to store (WRAL5 - May 12, 2011)

Vancouver, WA: Driver arrested after smashing through tanning salon windows—and right into a tanning bed. Luckily, the bed was unoccupied. (Fox12 - May 12, 2011)

San Diego, CA: Driver slams into San Diego Police Museum after careening through neighboring yard and parking lot (Signon San Diego - May 11, 2011)

Amsterdam, MO: Thieves smash car into McBee's General Store to steal cash register and ATM; one arrested (KCTV5 - May 11, 2011)

Bowling Green, KY: Pedal confusion sends patient crashing into dental office (WBKO - May 11, 2011)

Jersey City, NJ: Driver injured during crash into daycare center (NJ.com - May 10, 2011)

West Hempstead, NY: Minivan detaches from tow truck and plows through glass storefront of Nahas Rug Co. (Patch - May 10, 2011)

Bandon, OR: 85-year-old driver dies after crashing into salon; "...2002 Toyota Camry jumped the curb and entered a parking lot, narrowly missing parked cars, a utility pole and other electrical equipment, before striking the salon." (Bandon Western World - May 10, 2011)

Singapore: Two-car collision causes 60-year-old driver to hit historic former convent (Whatsonningbo - May 10, 2011)

Rio Grande, NJ: Reckless driving charge brought after truck careens over shopping center curbs, through a fence and into a house (Cape May County Herald - May 10, 2011)

Dracut, MA: Store customer claims brakes failed as she was trying to park, sending car smashing through windows and into shelves of valuable collectibles (WHDH-TV - May 10, 2011)

Salem, OR: Suspected street race sends car crashing into restaurant (KTVZ - May 9, 2011)

Mason, OH: Motorcyclist loses control, veers across parking lot, crashes through window of antiques store (Middletown Journal - May 9, 2011)

Atlanta, GA: No injuries reported from crash into Atlanta Public Schools building (CBS Atlanta - May 9, 2011)

Escondido, CA: 17-year-old driver confuses gas/brake pedals, plows through front of yogurt shop (10News - May 9, 2011)

Bangor, ME: 49-year-old driver with suspended license falls asleep at wheel, damaging business's landscaping and sign (Bangor Daily News - May 8, 2011)

Louisville, KY: Car crashes through wall of Salvation Army's Fellowship Hall (Fox41 - May 8, 2011)

Ingram, PA: Hobby shop recovering after car crashes into building (WPXI - May 8, 2011)

New York, NY: Six people hit by speeding car that drove through bus stop and into restaurant (NBC New York - May 7, 2011)

Lorain, OH: 37-year-old drunk driver steers SUV up steps and into city hall entrance (Morning Journal - May 6, 2011)

Wisconsin Rapids, WI: Driver incinerated in fire following crash into church (Leader Telegram - May 6, 2011)

St. Paul, MN: Startled police horse backs into cafe window (Pioneer Press - May 6, 2011)

Ford City, PA: 72-year-old driver's foot slips off brake while parking, sending car into Family Dollar store (Pittsburgh Live - May 6, 2011)

Goose Creek, SC: 77-year-old driver injured, along with store customer, during crash through grocery store wall (Post & Courier - May 5, 2011)

Mesa, AZ: Driver cited after crashing medical van into vacant business (East Valley Tribune - May 5, 2011)

Potsdam, NY: 25-year-old driver charged after hitting florist shop (Daily Courier-Observer - May 5, 2011)

Boston, MA: One injured when car crashes into CVS Pharmacy (MyFoxBoston - May 5, 2011)

Ammon, ID: Driver smashes SUV halfway through McDonald's entrance (SEI Now - May 4, 2011)

Topeka, KS: Driver smashes into side of Chinese restaurant (KTKA - May 4, 2011)

Norwalk, CT: Driver blames dog for crash while pulling into park at vet hospital (Stamford Advocate - May 4, 2011)

Lismore, Australia: Inclement weather possible factor in driver's crash into business (Northern Star - May 4, 2011)

Fredericksburg, VA: 73-year-old driver plows into restaurant after jumping a median, a sidewalk, a berm and traveling through a parking lot—all while unconscious (Fredericksburg.com - May 4, 2011)

Osakis, MN: Driver injured after steering minivan through parking lot, over curb and into an assisted living facility (Echo Press - May 4, 2011)

Chicago, IL: Two-vehicle collision sends car through windows of Dunkin' Donuts shop, injuring both drivers; "The crash sent glass and debris all over the donuts and muffins behind the counter, so everything baked for the morning had to be thrown out," said the store manager. (Chicago Breaking News - May 3, 2011)

Cheboygan, MI: Drunk driver careens through auto body repair shop's office (9and10News - May 3, 2011)

Hallsville, MO: Mechanical problem blamed for car's crash into convenience store (Columbia Tribune - May 3, 2011)

Arlington, VA: Two injured when car crashes into CVS Pharmacy (ARL Now - May 2, 2011)

Pueblo, CO: Driver dies, passenger injured, in DUI-related crash into high school (Pueblo Chieftain - May 2, 2011)

Poulsbo, WA: Driver in her 70s thought vehicle's shifter was in 'park'—before crashing through windows of shoe store (SeattlePI - May 2, 2011)

Southsea, Portsmouth, UK: 26-year-old driver arrested after crashing into antiques shop (The News - May 2, 2011)

Chicago, IL: Driver flees after crashing into Manny's Deli (Chicago Tribune - May 1, 2011)

Diss, Norfolk, UK: 18-year-old burglary suspect crashes into shop during police chase (Diss Express - April 30, 2011)

Forest, Ontario, Canada: 78-year-old driver's van accelerates into front doors of store, injuring employee (Lambton Shield - April 28, 2011)

Marion, IA: 84-year-old driver's pedal confusion sends car through front windows of clothing store (The Gazette - April 22, 2011)

Houston, TX: SUV smashes through front windows of cell phone store (Click2Houston - April 21, 2011)

La Mirada, CA: Driver's pedal misstep while backing out of parking space sends car into coffee shop door (The Chimes - April 20, 2011)

Writing for 'The Parking Professional'

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:55:00 +0000

Thanks to the International Parking Institute for the opportunity to write an article slated to appear in the August issue of its member magazine, The Parking Professional. The article is due May 18, so I'm eager to interview a number of parking pros and related sources over the next couple of weeks.

Parking design is one of the key elements to explore in order to gain a clearer picture of the contributing factors involved in vehicle-into-building incidents. The photos I've posted recently of different parking configurations offer my own two cents about what makes sense.

But now it's time for the actual experts to weigh-in with their insights. I'm grateful to the IPI for a chance to invite some of its members into the conversation.

Image source: International Parking Institute

Beware Protection Gaps

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:20:00 +0000

A cursory glance around this shopping area gave me an initial impression of safety—until I took a closer look.

Some sections have bollards. Great. Other sections have a stone planter barrier. Great again.

But—hey, wait a minute. Why the big gap right in front of the nice glass entry to this store pictured above?

And how come this other store (photo below) has nothing at all in front? The brick pillars are spaced so far apart as to be virtually useless as vehicle barriers—which I'm guessing was not their intended purpose anyway.

Those invitingly wide windows and glass doors are sitting ducks—as are any people standing behind them. The products displayed in the windows wouldn't fare well were a vehicle to crash through them, either.

Worse yet, vehicles approaching this T-intersection (above) are pointed straight at those gaps. At least there's a stop sign. But Heaven forbid a driver mistakenly hits his gas pedal instead of his brakes.

Other sections of this large shopping center have more bollards, as in the photo below. When standing up close and personal with those bollards, however, the space between them looked wide enough to leave me feeling uncomfortably vulnerable.

The developer of this shopping center obviously uses some helpful safety features. Unfortunately, the gaps in those safety features leave a lot of people at risk.

Photos by Mark Wright

Recent Crash Examples - April 18, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:21:00 +0000

Photo: Salem Police Department via Eagle Tribune

Fogelsville, PA: School bus driver's crash into building fatal (NBC Philadelphia - April 18, 2011)

Salem, MA: 62-year-old driver crashes Toyota Camry into vacant store—photo above (Eagle Tribune - April 17, 2011)

Amarillo, TX: Driver in his 20s sustains life-threatening injuries during high-speed crash into building (Amarillo Globe News - April 16, 2011)

Sacramento, CA: Motorcyclist loses control, crashes through Subway restaurant storefront (SacMav Rapid Media - April 15, 2011)

Standish, ME: Daycare center heavily damaged when car smashes inside (WGME 13 - April 13, 2011)

Woodbridge, CT: Teen driver hits dog grooming business [Ed. note—If I gave out awards for Mind-numbing Driver Excuses, this one would win: "...a license plate loosely placed on the dashboard of her car allegedly went sliding and lodged itself under the steering wheel. Unable to straighten out the steering wheel, the car continued turning right and eventually smashed into a wooden fence, went up the concrete patio and hit the door."] (Amity Observer - April 11, 2011)

Columbus, GA: Driver-less beer truck blasts through Hotel Liquidation Warehouse storefront (WSFA 12 - April 11, 2011)

Seattle, WA: Driver hits fire hydrant before crashing into salon (West Seattle Herald - April 11, 2011)

Grayslake, IL: 28-year-old driver cited after crashing into insurance office (Lake County News-Sun - April 9, 2011)

Albany, GA: Thieves smash stolen truck into pawn shop (WTVM 9 - April 7, 2011)

New York, NY: Two amazingly similar and equally tragic accidents in a week—cars careened off of Queensboro Bridge exit into storefront (New York Times - April 6, 2011)

Miami, FL: Driver flees after hitting man then crashing into convenience store (NBC Miami - April 5, 2011)

Norwalk, CT: Two injured during crash into Dunkin' Donuts (Norwalk Citizen Online - April 4, 2011)

Bridgeport, CT: SUV crashes into real estate office (CT Post - April 4, 2011)

Sioux City, IA: 84-year-old nursing home visitor loses control of car, crashes through entrance, hitting a resident. The victim died three days later in the hospital—on her 92nd birthday. (KTIV 4 - April 2, 2011)

Keep Cars & Customers Separated, Says 'Ideal Shield'

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:36:00 +0000

Thanks to the folks at Detroit, Michigan-based Ideal Shield for the shout-out in their April 11, 2011, blog post: 'Protecting People and Your Property'!

They note that with summer on its way, putting a protection system in place to keep vehicles away from customers and employees is all the more important. Warm weather means more people outside—sidewalk sales, outdoor dining, etc.—which means greater exposure to vehicles and parking areas.

"There are many types of barriers that can be erected to prevent accidents from happening, such as bollard posts, large planters, or other architectural items that actually enhance your business's appearance while providing that necessary layer of protection," says the company.

Check out what they have to offer at www.IdealShield.com. (Oh, and let 'em know you saw them here on StorefrontCrashes.com!)

Image source: Ideal Shield

Wintergreen Plaza's Attractive Vehicle Barriers

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:42:00 +0000

Another great example of how a shopping environment can keep cars and people safely separated can be seen at Wintergreen Plaza in Rockville, Maryland.

Robust red-brick planters with evergreen foliage not only serve as barriers, they also provide visual separation between asphalt parking lots and brand-specific storefronts.

Note also the heavy duty concrete 'bumper' in each parking space.

Want to sit in the seats right by the window at the Starbucks or Chipotle? No worries.

In fact, I would bet that most patrons are not even consciously aware of being safer. Speaking from personal experience as a frequent visitor to this center, you just feel more secure in these stores and restaurants.

Photos by Mark Wright

Recent Crash Examples - April 1, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia: Medical condition suspected cause of 45-year-old driver's crash into fence company and neighboring business; 10-year-old passenger not injured (The Chronicle - April 1, 2011)

Los Angeles, CA: Two-vehicle crash sends car through front window of check cashing business (CBS Los Angeles - April 1, 2011)

Dale City, VA: Employee's leg broken when car crashes through AutoZone store entrance (WUSA9 - April 1, 2011)

North Augusta, SC: Driver apparently suffering seizure crashes into Captain D's restaurant during busy 'kids night' event, sending him and two customers to hospital (Edgefield Daily - April 1, 2011 — WAGT26 - March 31, 2011)

North Huntingdon, PA: Police rule 22-year-old driver's crash last week into McDonald's drive-through a DUI (TribLive - April 1, 2011)

Houma, LA: Car thief dies after crashing stolen vehicle into flower shop (Houma Today - March 31, 2011)

Hartford, CT: 83-year-old driver crashes through brick wall of CVS, causing store to be evacuated and closed (WTNH - March 31, 2011)

Pittsburgh, PA: Driver careens off road, sending SUV down steps and through wall of University of Pittsburgh Law School (Post-Gazette - March 31, 2011)

Plymouth, CT: 44-year-old driver crashes through front of Wasp Archery building (Republican-American - March 31, 2011)

Bull Plain, Hertfordshire, UK: Elderly driver accidentally reverses vehicle and crashes through clinic entrance (Hertfordshire Mercury - March 31, 2011)

New York, NY: Pedestrian killed when driver loses control while exiting bridge; car goes airborne and crashes through glass doors of nearby building (NBC17 - March 29, 2011)

Quezon City, Philippines: Three injured when car crashes through glass wall panel of medical testing center (PhilStar - March 29, 2011)

Loganville, GA: Driver injured during crash into veterinary clinic (Atlanta Journal-Constitution - March 28, 2011) [Thanks to Kevin Shannon for this tip.]

Bedfordshire, UK: 87-year-old driver crashes into frozen food store, also hitting nearby vehicles (BBC - March 28, 2011)

Rowland Heights, CA: Six hospitalized—including a 3-year-old pinned under the vehicle—when car reportedly "peeled out of a shopping center, hit a curb and crashed into [an] apartment." (KABC - March 25, 2011)

Montgomery, AL: Unattended 5-year-old drives mom's car through windows of Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall (Buzz Montgomery - March 23, 2011)

Bethany, OK: 89-year-old driver injured when her car suddenly accelerates while in drive-through lane of Swadley's Barbecue and hits a tree (NewsOK - March 22, 2011)

Melbourne, Australia: 70-year-old driver sends 12 people to hospital after crashing into all you can eat restaurant (ABC News - March 4, 2011)

[Editor's note: My goal of offering an encyclopedic weekly crash roundup is on hold for awhile in favor of this more realistic approach: a list of recent examples. I'll be mixing in periodic lists like this with incident-specific stories and other articles during the month.]

Pointing Vehicles Away from Storefronts

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:01:00 +0000

This parking lot on Lee Highway in Fairfax, Virginia, caught my eye one recent Saturday. It's at the far corner of a large development called The Shops at Fairfax.

At the time, I had two-legged and four-legged passengers on board eager to reach their particular destination, so I didn't slam on the brakes and jump out with my camera. But I did immediately exclaim, "Now THAT is what a parking lot should look like in strip shopping centers!"

I finally made it back there a few days ago with camera in hand. No parking lot is accident proof, but as you can see in these photos, this design at least points vehicles away from the storefronts.

Arranging the spaces so cars pull in toward a berm planted with bushes—rather than pulling up to windows and doorways—reduces the odds that a driver would injure someone or seriously damage property if he lost control.

A driver backing out of one of these spaces could still crash backward into a storefront, of course. And with no bollards or other barriers protecting those stores, the results wouldn't be pretty.

Still, kudos to Bethesda, Maryland-based Saul Centers, Inc., for using a parking design for this little retail strip that at least lowers the odds of a storefront crash.

Photos by Mark Wright

Latest Crash Puts Cortlandt NY Deli Out of Business

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:20:00 +0000

A recent crash featured in our March 21, 2011, roundup claimed another casualty: the business that was hit.

Peekskill-Cortlandt Patch editor Liz Giegerich reports that the owner of Lou's Corner Deli in Cortlandt, New York—74-year-old Jack Toia—decided to close his doors permanently following the March 17, 2011, crash into his store.

Toia's son, Guy, notes that this crash was the fifth time the deli had been hit by a vehicle—and apparently the second time in recent years when the damage was severe enough that the Town of Cortlandt required the building to be closed until structural repairs were made.

Giegerich's story includes an important take-away for prevention-minded businesses on bollard placement: "The parking spaces also had about 4-foot high concrete posts in the center of each spot, but [the driver in the latest crash] managed to drive between the posts, which were more than a car's-width apart."

Ouch.

I hope to connect with Mr. Toia in the near future to see what advice he might be up for sharing with other businesses based on his multiple-crash experience.

Thanks to Giegerich, too, for her reporting. (Full story link: http://peekskill.patch.com/articles/car-crash-into-lous-corner-store-closes-it-for-good)

Weekly Crash Roundup - March 21, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 01:49:00 +0000

'Catching up from last week! As a time-saving experiment, I'm dropping the Bit.ly links in favor of incorporating each story link into its news source. PLEASE let me know which approach you prefer—I can switch back to Bit.ly if this change creates any ADA or usability issues for readers. –Mark

Germantown, PA: Two-car collision sends SUV through grocery store wall (Philadelphia Inquirer 3-21-2011)

Burnley, Lancashire, UK: Driverless car takes passenger on scary ride before hitting Tesco superstore (Daily Mail 3-19-2011)

Anchorage, AK: 24-year-old driver arrested on DUI after crashing into historic building (Daily News-Miner 3-19-2011)

Corbin, KY: Two-vehicle collision sends car into printing company entrance (Times-Tribune 3-18-2011)

Montreal, Quebec, Canada: Driver in her 50s injured while crashing completely into store (Montreal Gazette 3-18-2011)

Pinehurst, NC: Post office patron slightly injured when struck by car pulling in to park (The Pilot 3-18-2011)

Cortlandt, NY: Deli owner and customer sustain minor injuries when 73-year-old driver's pedal misstep sends her car into Lou's Corner Store (NCNLocal 3-17-2011)

Chicago, IL: Driver smashes minivan into thrift store then flees (CBS Chicago 3-17-2011)

Rockland, MA: Driver drifts off road and into front of music store (Patriot Ledger 3-17-2011)

Glendora, CA: 26-year-old driver arrested for DUI after crashing into Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop; one injured (San Gabriel Valley Tribune 3-16-2011)

East Stroudsburg, PA: Driver crashes car into water treatment plant (WNEP - 3-16-2011)

Lower Swatara Twp., PA: School-bus driver ejected in crash—then driverless bus continues on and crashes into into Jack's Auto Sales and Service (Fox 43 WPMT 3-14-2011)

Newnan, GA: Man charged with DUI for driving van into restaurant (Atlanta Journal-Constitution 3-13-2011) [Thanks to Kevin Shannon for this one.]

Panorama City, CA: 83-year-old driver injured, wife killed, when his truck accelerated uncontrollably into a hospital wall (Los Angeles Police Dept. notice via Nixle 3-11-2011) [Thanks to Charles Carter for this news link.]

Reaching Out to Businesses

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:47:00 +0000

One of our readers recently asked: "What percentage of storefront crashes result in the kinds of design changes/barriers to protect people from a 'repeat' versus the store/building owner sweeping up, boarding up and then simply repairing the storefront to its former unprotected state—waiting for the next victim?"

Great question. (Thanks, Charles!) It's one of many I have for businesses that have suffered a crash into their building.

To begin the process of engaging more with those businesses, I just mailed a hot-off-the-press postcard to several that were featured in recent crash reports. The postcard invites them to visit and connect here via this site.

It's a small but important step. I hope this non-intrusive 'seeding the clouds' approach will result in many two-part conversations with business owners. More postcards will go out every week. And my objective is to have these conversations start something like this:

----------

Part one: I'm really sorry your business got hit—even more so if any customers or employees were hurt.

As you can see from all the accident examples here on StorefrontCrashes.com, you are in good company—not that that alone will make you feel much better right now.

Is there anything you need, any information you don't already have, that would help you and your business recover faster?

Part two: Would you be open to sharing your story and any lessons learned with others?

What did you have to go through—cleaning up, boarding up, closing down? What did you experience in dealing with first responders, insurance companies, building inspectors?

If you had to close temporarily, what effects did that have on your business?

Most importantly, how are your customers and employees doing since the event?

If you had to go through it all again, Heaven forbid, what would you do differently?

Your story is truly valuable to others. Thank you for anything you can offer from this accident experience that might save another business owner headaches, heartaches and time.

----------

Of course the postcards are only one mode of outreach. I'll be calling and emailing crash-site businesses, too. We'll see what works best.

Let me also assure those businesses: I'm all about seeking solutions, not blaming or finding fault. So don't be shy.

I look forward to our conversations and to exploring ways you, your customers and your employees can be protected from a future out-of-control driver.

– Mark Wright

Weekly Crash Roundup - March 11, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mark Wright) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:50:00 +0000

Westport, CT: Driver blames stuck gas pedal for crash into upholstery store March 11, 2011
NewYork.CBSLocal.com: http://bit.ly/f25A8B

Phoenix, AZ: DUI causes 56-year-old driver to crash into Phoenix Police Dept. headquarters March 11, 2011
AZCentral.com: http://bit.ly/hGNGXQ

Fleming County, KY: Driver loses control of car and slams into gas station pump March 11, 2011
Lex18.com: http://bit.ly/f7RDBN

Oklahoma City, OK: Driver arrested on DUI after crashing through window of Domino's Pizza store March 10, 2011 [Too bad the bollards that appear in front of the store two doors down in this news story's photo didn't extend in front of Domino's!]
News9.com: http://bit.ly/gCY9R8

Fort Smith, AR: Driver says brakes failed prior to crash into gift store March 10, 2011
4029TV.com: http://bit.ly/gXZVH3

Charlotte, NC: Car breaks gas line when it hits building March 10, 2011
WSOCTV.com: http://bit.ly/hLwNYw

Wall Twp., NJ: 83-year-old driver cited after pedal misstep sends his car through pharmacy wall March 10, 2011
Wall.Patch.com: http://bit.ly/grEEeu

Erie, PA: 57-year-old driver's medical condition causes her to crash into gas station March 10, 2011
GoErie.com: http://bit.ly/ec8Kd9

Phoenix, AZ: 21-year-old school employee crashes into principal's office March 9, 2011
AZFamily.com: http://bit.ly/e4IWQL

Beaverton, OR: 74-year-old driver injures customer while smashing into UPS store March 8, 2011
KPTV.com: http://bit.ly/gbtqNy

Green Bay, WI: Elderly driver hits wrong pedal, crashes through wall of credit union, injuring two people March 8, 2011
WBAY.com: http://bit.ly/fvzwE2

Kennebunk, ME: 57-year-old driver's pedal misstep sends SUV into Circle K store March 6, 2011
SeaCoastOnline.com: http://bit.ly/gKjj3W
PressHerald.com: http://bit.ly/gVjDWV

Abbotsford, BC, Canada: 21-year-old driver dies after crashing into pole and building during police pursuit March 6, 2011
BCLocalNews.com: http://bit.ly/htRl1j

Springfield, OR: 27-year old driver arrested after crashing into mini-mart, narrowly missing shocked store employee, March 5, 2011
Examiner.com: http://exm.nr/icKyS7

Milan, OH: 34-year-old driver charged with DUI after crashing into Circle K/Dunkin' Donuts March 5, 2011
SanduskyRegister.com: http://bit.ly/gMT6Bw

Nanaimo, BC, Canada: 75-year-old driver's pedal confusion sends her car into Stock Exchangers store March 1, 2011
Canada.com: http://bit.ly/hhQ2SR