Bollard Applications
Safety and security bollards are effective in protecting pedestrians and property in a variety of locations. Each application and location presents its own criteria for creating a safe environment.
This educational resource serves to provide an overview of Zuma Bollard’s product offering and educate users on which particular bollards are recommended for specific applications.
Bollard Basics
Types of Public Spaces
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Airports are complex and highly active environments containing a nonstop flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This presents a variety of safety and security concerns ranging from traffic control to the elevated risk of terrorist attacks.
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Fixed Bollards are commonly installed along the perimeter of the exterior of airline terminals, creating a clear delineation between vehicle and pedestrian thoroughfares. Bollards are particularly effective in these applications because they allow large numbers of pedestrians, often times traveling with luggage, to move through the space unrestricted.
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Airports employ some of the most stringent security measures among all public spaces. For this reason, fixed and removable high-security crash rated bollards are often installed to protect against the risk of terrorist attacks and intentional vehicle-ramming attacks.
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In August 2022 an 87-year-old driver accidentally hit the gas while parking in front of a convenience store in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. The elderly driver accelerated through the storefront window and penetrated about 6 feet into the building before stopping the vehicle. Fortunately, nobody was injured during this particular incident, however this type of accident is a common occurrence.
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According to the Storefront Safety Council, on average vehicles crash through the front of buildings 100 times per day in the United States. While these incidents are often caused by operator error, the extent of the damage caused to the building as well as injuries can be greatly mitigated with properly installed bollards.
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Due to the fact that vehicles parking are typically traveling at low speeds, a low-security bollard is often recommended for convenience store applications. These can be ordered in a safety yellow finish to further increase visibility.
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In addition to accidental vehicle incursions, convenient stores can be the target of crash and grab theft. In these deliberate vehicle attacks, an assailant will purposefully drive their car through the storefront to gain entry before proceeding with robbery or theft.
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A variety of crash rated bollards, typically ranging from low to medium security, can be installed to prevent against smash and grab. A site analysis is typically performed to determine the many factors such as the topography and geography of the surrounding area, which will determine a vehicle's ability to gather speed during an intentional vehicular attack.
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Bollards are among the most effective solutions for enhancing the safety and security of educational settings such as college campuses and schools. The bustling nature of these environments creates an increased risk of both vehicle-pedestrian accidents as well as intentional vehicle attacks.
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Crash rated security bollards are often installed on campuses in order to create a secure perimeter separating vehicle traffic from pedestrian areas and bike paths. These are particularly effective in areas with a constant flow of students and faculty such as pickup / drop off areas.
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Removable bollards are particularly useful for areas that require limited or authorized vehicle access. During special events such as concerts or sports games, removable bollards can be placed in roadways to safely allow for the increased flow of pedestrians and visitors.
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LED Illuminated bollards can be installed along pathways to increase visibility at night, enhancing campus safety and security and creating a clear delineation between vehicle and pedestrian areas.
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Bollards are the most effective solution for increasing pedestrian safety for hospitals & healthcare facilities. While barriers and gates and can be installed to create a boundary between pedestrian and vehicle zones, they can also create bottlenecks and increase the difficulty for pedestrians to enter and exit the building.
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Crash rated bollards create a perimeter separating vehicle traffic from walkways, while also allowing for easy flow of pedestrians, who are often being transported by wheelchair or gurney.
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LED Illuminated bollards can be installed nearby hospital entrances and parking areas to increase visibility at night. Lighted bollards also function as pathfinding beacons, guiding patients and visitors to and from their destinations.
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From emergency room entrances to patient drop off & pickup areas, hospitals and healthcare facilities are designed to allow vehicles to approach as close to the entrance as possible. Additionally, both drivers and pedestrians in hospital surroundings are oftentimes in a hurried state and preoccupied with pressing health concerns, resulting in a reduced sense of awareness of their surroundings. All of these factors at play can create an extremely volatile and stressful environment with a high risk of pedestrian-vehicle incursions.
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Farmers markets, fairs, and parades are a few examples of temporary outdoor events that present a number of safety and security concerns due to their close proximity to high-traffic areas combined with large crowds and pedestrian activity. These events are often held in closed-off roadways or other open spaces that were not primarily designed with pedestrian safety in mind. Unfortunately, this concern has been highlighted a number of times in the past with devastating incidents of vehicle incursions, both accidental and intentional.
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Removable bollards are an effective solution to temporarily restrict vehicle access to certain areas, while still allowing for easy flow of pedestrians, whether on foot, bicycle, wheelchair, or stroller. Removable bollards are easily installed and locked in place to avoid tampering or unauthorized removal.
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Retractable crash rated bollards can be installed in roadways that require part-time restricted access. (insert technical facts about manual assist / automatic) (need to find out what we can offer here)
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In today's complex socio-political environment, places of worship – synagogues, churches, mosques, temples, or other religious venues – stand as symbols of peace and sanctity. However, these sacred spaces are not immune to the challenges of the modern world, including the unfortunate rise in targeted violence and hate crimes.
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Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in threats and acts of violence against places of worship in the United States and abroad, highlighting an urgent need for enhanced security measures.
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Given the elevated threat of targeted attacks at places of worship, crash-rated security bollards emerge as the most suitable solution for ensuring the safety of these sacred spaces. Crash rated bollards are specifically engineered to withstand high-impact forces, making them an effective deterrent against potential vehicular attacks, one of the most severe threats in today's security landscape.
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Installing crash-rated bollards at, places of worship can significantly enhance their perimeter security, creating a robust barrier that protects congregants and the sanctity of the space, while maintaining the open and welcoming atmosphere that is fundamental to these community centers.
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Maintaining this level of security is essential, ensuring physical well-being and offering a sense of peace to individuals participating in religious activities and community involvement within these spaces.
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The urban landscape is evolving, and with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), the need to safeguard charging stations has become paramount. Zuma’s crash-rated bollards are designed to protect not just the EV charging infrastructure but also the people who use them.
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EV charging stations represent a significant investment in infrastructure designed to last many years as an increasing amount of people adopt electric vehicles. Crash-rated bollards protect these assets from accidental or intentional vehicle impacts, ensuring that the charging stations remain operational and avoid downtime due to damage.
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Charging stations are often located in parking lots, near sidewalks, or in close proximity to buildings where pedestrians and vehicles are frequently present.
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Our S10 and S20 crash-rated bollards are engineered to stop vehicles up to 5,000lbs at 10 and 20 MPH, providing protection against accidents or intentional ramming.
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The ASTM standards are a testament to the effectiveness and reliability of security products. By choosing bollards that adhere to these designations, you are selecting a product designed to withstand high-impact collisions.
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An impact on an EV charging station can result in electrical hazards, including the risk of fire, electrical shock, or even a battery thermal event in the case of charging vehicles.
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The investment in crash-rated bollards may seem substantial in comparison to low-quality alternatives, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Vehicle collisions, whether accidental or intentional, can cause extensive damage and operational disruptions. Proactively implementing safety measures is far more cost-effective than addressing the aftermath of an incident.
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