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New Female Crash Dummy Promises Safer Cars for Women
21 Nov
Summary
- A new female crash test dummy could make cars safer for women.
- Women are significantly more likely to be injured or killed in crashes.
- The new dummy more accurately reflects female anatomy and injuries.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has introduced a new female crash test dummy design, a development advocates believe will significantly enhance automotive safety for women. This new dummy more accurately represents anatomical differences, including the neck, collarbone, pelvis, and legs, and is equipped with over 150 sensors.
This initiative comes as statistics reveal women are 73% more likely to sustain injuries and 17% more likely to die in car crashes compared to men. The existing standard dummy, developed in 1978, was based on a male physique, highlighting a long-standing gap in safety testing.
While some automakers express skepticism about potential overestimations of injury risks, lawmakers have welcomed the announcement. The new dummy specifications are now available for manufacturers and the automotive industry to begin integration and testing, marking a crucial step towards ensuring fairer safety standards on American roads.
