XL Group
Insurance
Risk Bulletin
Avoid Striking
Stationary Objects
This article focuses on vehicle accident
risks associated with striking fixed or
stationary objects when a vehicle is in
drive and moving forward. These are
characterized as preventable, low speed
maneuvering accidents that are the result
of human error. Such accidents often
occur in parking lots and loading areas.
Despite the low-speed nature of these
accidents, they have the potential to result
in costly bodily injury and property damage
claims. Although backing accidents, which
occur when the vehicle is in reverse and
moving backward, share some common
characteristics, they are not the focus
of this analysis. This article presents
common risk factors and prevention steps
associated with striking stationary objects.
It is frustrating for management to hear a driver state they
have struck a stationary object that was is in plain sight. A
manager will wonder how, when the driver has the tools,
such as mirrors, brakes, and steering, they could not avoid
such an accident. This becomes even more confounding
when drivers have had formal instruction on safe driving
techniques. Excuses such as wearing sunglasses or having
tinted windows do not hold up; so what is the cause of
these types of accidents? Often these accidents are the
result of a driver not paying attention or rushing their job.
• Risk Bulletin • 2
In today’s society, drivers are constantly under pressure to
complete deliveries in specified time schedules. Add the
everyday pressures of life such as family issues and financial
problems and it is easy to understand how a driver could feel
overwhelmed. Feeling rushed and pressured can lead to a
driver being distracted and fatigued.
Drivers must be prepared both physically and mentally to
operate a company vehicle safely. In today’s hurry-up/multitask mentality, management and dispatch must constantly
remind drivers about staying focused and finishing a task
correctly before moving on to the next one. For example,
drivers shouldn’t be thinking about which hose to use or
completing paperwork until they have safely parked their
unit.
Some ways for drivers to avoid inattention include:
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Always stay focused on driving
Be aware of surroundings
Don’t use cell phones while operating the company vehicle
Do not eat or drink while driving
Do not adjust radios or climate controls while the vehicle is
in motion
• Do not get distracted by persons or events outside of the
vehicle, especially in parking lots
• Do not reach for fallen or shifted items in the cab
Two of the more common types of ‘striking a stationary
object accident’ are striking parked vehicles and striking
low clearance awnings/canopies. Drivers must be aware
of the size or footprint of their vehicle, including height, so
they can visualize it fitting where it needs to go, especially
while turning/maneuvering in a lot. The driver must be able
to track the projected path of the unit maneuvering in a lot
to determine if it will fit without striking a vehicle or object
(including above the vehicle). The best approach to avoiding
a fixed or stationary object collision is to:
• Approach slowly
• Scan the area as you approach, keeping your eyes moving,
including up
• When in doubt, get out and look, especially if it is an
unfamiliar delivery point
Another way to avoid these types of accidents is to avoid
busy lots altogether. When you know an area will be busy
during a certain time frame, work to schedule the delivery
during a different time of day when it is off-peak and thus
less congested.
Lastly, a poorly maintained vehicle can increase the chances
of a “striking a stationary object” accident. Simple things
like ensuring all lights are working, windshield wipers are
operating correctly, and clean/clear windshields, windows,
and mirrors can all help to prevent such an accident.
Despite the slow speeds in parking lots, the size and weight
of a tractor-trailer (full or empty) can cause significant
damage to anything it hits and thus result in a costly
accident. Scratches and dings may occur to the tractortrailer; however, the object being struck may not easily
sustain such impacts. Since parked vehicles are the most
often struck stationary object in a parking lot, it is important
to note that passenger vehicles are expensive to repair.
Consider that body damage, parts, and paint, even for a
minor collision, can easily exceed $2,500, plus costs for a
rental car. Further, if an operator or passenger is present
in the stationary vehicle, there is also the potential for a
bodily injury claim even for a low speed impact. Accidents
involving other stationary objects such as striking a fuel
pump, awning/canopy, light fixture, or fire hydrant can cost
thousands of dollars to repair/replace. A final unforeseen
cost of a simple “striking a stationary object” accident may
include delayed deliveries, which can negatively impact
customer service and customer relationships, resulting in a
long-term impact on company revenues.
The bottom line is drivers need to keep their driving guard
up, even when pulling off the road into a parking lot or
service station. Just because speeds are reduced doesn’t
mean the driver can reduce their attention to driving detail
and surroundings. Do not attempt to fit the unit you are
driving in a place where it will not fit. Increased driver
attention to detail and surroundings when operating in
these environments will help reduce the potential for costly
accidents associated with striking stationary objects.
Risk Bulletin
Risk engineering information provided by XL Group’s Environmental team.
505 Eagleview Boulevard, Suite 100, Exton PA 19341-1120
xlgroup.com/insurance/environmental
4118_03/2014
The information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute
legal advice. For legal advice, seek the services of a competent attorney. Any descriptions of insurance
provisions are general overviews only.
XL Group is the global brand used by XL Group plc’s insurance subsidiaries. In the US, the insurance
companies of XL Group plc are: Greenwich Insurance Company, Indian Harbor Insurance Company, XL
Insurance America, Inc., XL Insurance Company of New York, Inc., and XL Specialty Insurance Company.
Not all of the insurers do business in all jurisdictions nor is coverage available in all jurisdictions.
Information accurate as of March 2014.