Project Summary:
KXAN recently published an investigation called “Preventing Disaster” that began on May 15, 2024. The investigation was prompted by a fatal car crash into an emergency room of an Austin hospital. The focus was on safety concerns related to this crash and similar incidents nationwide, particularly looking into the presence of security barriers known as bollards at medical sites to prevent such accidents.
After uncovering over 300 crashes at medical centers across the country in the past decade, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett from Austin has taken action. In response to the investigative reporting by KXAN, Doggett contacted the General Services Administration (GSA) to address safety concerns at federal facilities. The goal is to prevent further tragedies like the one at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center in February.
According to Rob Reiter, co-founder of the Storefront Safety Council, there are about 100 accidents involving vehicles crashing into buildings every day in the U.S. These incidents are not only predictable but also preventable, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures like bollards. In June, Doggett initiated a security review of federal facilities and emphasized the importance of installing safety barriers to protect against such crashes.
The GSA oversees more than 8,600 federally owned and leased buildings in the country, with Texas having the highest number of buildings. While some federal sites already have security measures in place, KXAN’s recent survey revealed gaps in safety at certain locations. Buildings housing agencies like the IRS and OSHA were found to lack bollards, posing risks similar to the incident at St. David’s Medical Center.
In response to Doggett’s inquiries, the GSA assured that they are committed to enhancing safety at federal facilities and have implemented various security measures, including over 14,000 barriers nationwide. However, Doggett insists on expediting the review process to address the increasing number of accidents. The GSA appreciates the attention brought to employee and visitor safety through KXAN’s reporting and remains dedicated to assessing and improving security measures.
As the discussion continues on the necessity of safety bollards and other preventive measures, it is evident that proactive actions are vital to safeguarding lives and preventing future tragedies. The collaboration between lawmakers, investigative journalists, and government agencies is crucial in ensuring the security of public facilities and protecting individuals from harm.
