Stripe-A-Zone: Pavement Marking Specialist-August Newsletter

How Costly are Low-Speed Collisions to Your Vehicle?

Low-speed collisions / fender-benders are all too common, especially in parking facilities. Since we travel at much slower speeds in these areas, how much damage can really be done to our vehicles in the event of an accident?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently conducted a study to test the durability, safety, and cost of vehicle bumper damage in low-speed collisions. 4 tests were performed (front and rear full-width impacts at 6 mph and front and rear corner impacts at 3 mph) on various car sizes ranging from "small cars" to "minivans" in order to stimulate low-speed collisions and common fender-bender incidents. None of the bumpers on the 56 vehicles tested earned a top rating of Good, and only 4 received an Acceptable rating (Ford Focus '08-'09, Scion xB '08-'09, Mazda 6 '09, Smart Fortwo '08-'09).

Below is a chart outlining the various ratings for each series of vehicles:

Results: The Infiniti G35 / G37 2007-2009 had the most expensive single repair as well as the highest total damage ($13,983) for all four repairs. The vehicle sustained $5,223 in damage in the front full bumper test alone, which is around 14% of the vehicle's purchase price. The Smart Fortwo 2008-2009 on the other hand, had the least costly damage of all vehicles totaling: $3,281 and a bumper evaluation / rating of "Acceptable".

The majority of vehicles tested showed that front full-width repairs have the highest expense, while rear corner repairs cost the least.

What Does This All Mean?

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Low-speed collisions / 'fender-benders' can not only be costly to vehicle owners, but can also be increasingly dangerous depending on the speed and area of impact. Depending who's at fault (possibly both parties), your insurance coverage, and the ground / road conditions on which the accident occurs - you may be held liable and forced to pay for damages in full.

With 1 in 5 accidents occurring in parking facilities¹ how can you safeguard against damage to your vehicle?

Driving with caution and travelling at minimum speeds are obvious preventative measures and should always be done. Other tactics include:

• Parking in low-traffic areas away from pedestrian and vehicle routes
• Backing-in to parking stalls; this prevents dangerous maneuvers when exiting and minimizes blind spot areas
• Always signal when turning - this helps other drivers determine and anticipate where you are going
• Obey stop signs and other traffic control devices
• Do not cut-through vacant parking spaces or in-between lanes

Facility owners can also help increase safety in their parking facilities and minimize accidents:

• Install traffic control / speed reduction devices such as speed bumps and parking stops - this prevents drivers from cutting through vacant parking spaces as well as forces drivers to travel at minimum speeds
• Clearly mark lanes, parking stalls, no parking zones, etc. in order to facilitate efficient flow of traffic
• Keep the parking facility clean, well-lit, and implement regular maintenance programs

Stripe-A-Zone is a leading supplier of parking lot safety devices such as speed bumps and parking stops all made from 100% recycled rubber. These solutions are not only highly visible (during day and night); they are also easy-to-install and will not damage vehicles like other asphalt or concrete solutions.

Minimize the risk of accidents in high traffic, high pedestrian areas like parking facilities by driving with caution. Damage to your vehicle in low-speed collisions can be more costly than you think!



For more information on the IIHS bumper test / evaluation, please visit the IIHS website here.

1. statistic according to the Insurance Agents of America and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety



For any questions or concerns about the safety in your parking facility, please contact us directly:

Stripe-A-Zone
2714 West Sherman
Grand Prairie, TX 75051

Phone: 1-800-397-4110
Email Our Texas Sales Dept.:
Jesse Wuistnger:
jesse@stripe-a-zone.com
P: 800-397-4110 ext. 111
Billy Gunter:
billy@stripe-a-zone.com
P: 800-397-4110 ext. 112
Melissa Hubbard:
melissa@stripe-a-zone.com
P: 800-397-4110 ext. 121
Robert Harris:
robert@stripe-a-zone.com
Brent Walker (located in Houston, TX):
bwalker@stripe-a-zone.com
P: 832-335-9092

Email Our Louisiana Sales Dept.:
Chris Deshotel (located in Baton Rouge, LA):
cdeshotel@stripe-a-zone.com
P: 225-572-2660
Melissa Hubbard:
melissa@stripe-a-zone.com
P: 800-397-4110 ext. 121

Website:
www.stripe-a-zone.com