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In a shocking incident earlier this month, another car crashed through a storefront window in Burlington, leaving the community in disbelief. For one Halifax man, this scene hit too close to home, as he is still recovering from a similar crash that he miraculously survived last year. Steffen Ghelfi reached out to Boston 25 News, questioning why the state legislature hasn't taken more action to ensure the safety of storefronts against such crashes. Ghelfi was among the 20 individuals injured when a car plowed into the Apple Store in Hingham in November of the previous year, a tragedy that claimed the life of one person

Ghelfi vividly remembers the chaos and carnage that ensued, as he found himself pinned against a wall, bleeding and badly injured. Both of his legs were broken, his rotator cuff torn, and multiple vertebrae fractured, requiring extensive surgeries and leaving him unable to return to his career as an electrician. The recent crash in Burlington brought back painful memories for Ghelfi, reminding him that these incidents still occur far too frequently. Mark Wright, a co-founder of the Storefront Safety Council, revealed that there are approximately 100 vehicle-into-building crashes every day, with half of them resulting in injuries and 8% being fatal

In 2019, Boston 25 News highlighted efforts to pass legislation that would mandate the installation of bollards, solid pillars in front of buildings that can prevent or slow down cars heading towards storefronts. State Representative Tommy Vitolo, who co-sponsored the bill, acknowledged the rampant issue of poor driving and the need for preventative measures. Unfortunately, the momentum for the bill waned as the COVID-19 pandemic took precedence. However, Vitolo now believes that the economic landscape has shifted, necessitating a renewed focus on storefront safety

The timing, however, is less than ideal, as many small businesses continue to struggle in the aftermath of the pandemic, competing against online giants like Amazon. Vitolo suggests that storefront crashes be incorporated into a broader conversation about public safety, as pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have skyrocketed in recent years. Wright, on the other hand, stresses the importance of bollards, emphasizing that they are a relatively affordable investment that can have immeasurable benefits. He reveals that only California has implemented statewide regulations for bollards, with a handful of communities across the nation establishing their own requirements at the municipal level

While the issue awaits further action, the Storefront Safety Council and concerned citizens like Ghelfi continue to advocate for stronger measures to protect storefronts and the people within them. As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear - the need for increased safety precautions to prevent further tragedies. Awareness and action are crucial in avoiding these devastating incidents that have become all too common. In the meantime, one can't help but wonder how many lives could be saved with the simple addition of bollards in front of storefronts across the country.