If you have been paying attention to the news lately, you have probably noticed something unsettling: vehicle ramming attacks are happening more often, in more places, than most people realize. In just seven months between November 2024 and May 2025, there were 27 reported attacks worldwide. That is not a small number. That is a pattern.

Recent Global Incidents
The Vancouver incident in April 2025 hit particularly close to home for many. An SUV plowed into a crowd celebrating a Filipino heritage festival, killing 11 people and injuring dozens more. Just weeks before that, a similar attack occurred in Germany. And these are only the ones that made international headlines. The truth is, these incidents have become so common that many smaller attacks barely get covered anymore.
What makes this particularly frightening is that these attacks are not limited to obvious targets like government buildings or military bases. They happen at festivals, in residential neighborhoods, outside schools. Anywhere people gather, a vehicle can become a weapon.

The Case for Bollards
This is exactly why security bollards have become such an important conversation. A bollard is simply a sturdy post installed in the ground. When it is properly installed and rated for impact, it can stop a vehicle in its tracks. It creates a physical barrier between the car and the people walking behind it.
Unlike walls or fences, bollards do not block visibility or make a space feel like a prison. You can still see through them, still walk around them freely. But when a car comes speeding toward a crowd, they are the thing that makes the difference between a story people tell about "that time a car went crazy" and a tragedy that makes national news.
There are different types to consider. Automatic bollards are popular for places that need vehicle access at certain times but want protection otherwise. A restaurant might lower its bollards during delivery hours but raise them during dinner service. Fixed bollards provide permanent protection for banks, government buildings, or anywhere that needs constant protection. Removable bollards are useful for temporary events like concerts or sports games.

What to Think About Before Installing
Before you invest in bollards, there are a few practical things to consider. First, think about your actual risk level. A small storefront in a quiet neighborhood has different needs than a building that hosts large public events. Second, consider the look. Bollards come in all kinds of styles, from plain steel posts to decorative options that actually improve the appearance of a property. Third, think about maintenance. Automatic bollards offer convenience but require more upkeep than their fixed counterparts.
And please, hire professionals for installation. This is not a DIY project. A bollard that is not anchored correctly will not stop anything, and you will not know it failed until the moment you need it to work.

Final Thoughts
I know this is not a cheerful topic. Nobody wants to think about the possibility of a vehicle attack when they are just trying to enjoy a night out or walk their dog. But the reality is that these incidents are happening, and they are happening more frequently. The question is not whether you need to think about security. The question is whether you are going to do something about it before something happens.
Take a look at your property. Look at where cars and pedestrians mix. Ask yourself: if someone lost control or worse, is there anything stopping that vehicle from reaching the people standing here?
That answer might be uncomfortable. But it is better to ask the question now than to ask it later.