Why did the US introduce a new female crash test dummy?

The new female crash test dummy was introduced to address decades of safety gaps in vehicle testing, as current models are based on 1978 male anatomy.

What makes the THOR-05F dummy different from older models?

The THOR-05F has over 150 sensors, a more flexible spine, and assesses a wider range of injuries compared to the older, rigid Hybrid III dummy.

Are women more likely to be injured in car crashes in the US?

Yes, studies show women are more likely to die or sustain serious injuries in comparable car crashes than men.

Home / Technology / New Female Crash Test Dummy Ends Decades of Safety Gaps

New Female Crash Test Dummy Ends Decades of Safety Gaps

22 Nov

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Summary

A new female crash test dummy, THOR-05F, was introduced by US officials.
Existing dummies are based on 1978 male models, leading to higher injury risks for women.
The advanced dummy has over 150 sensors, offering triple the measurements of older models.

New Female Crash Test Dummy Ends Decades of Safety Gaps

A significant advancement in vehicle safety testing has been announced with the unveiling of the THOR-05F, the United States' first crash test dummy designed with female anatomy. This initiative directly addresses long-standing safety disparities, as current testing protocols still utilize a dummy model based on male anatomy from 1978. Despite comparable crash severities, women are statistically more likely to suffer fatal injuries and serious harm.

The new THOR-05F dummy is equipped with over 150 sensors, enabling it to capture three times the amount of injury data compared to its predecessors. This advanced technology allows for a more comprehensive assessment of potential injuries, including skull fractures, brain trauma, and facial injuries, areas inadequately covered by older models. Its enhanced flexibility and additional sensors for the abdomen, pelvis, and arms provide a more realistic simulation of crash impacts.

This development marks a long-overdue step toward equitable vehicle safety standards. Officials emphasize that this upgrade will lead to a better assessment of injury risks for female occupants and will be integrated into federal vehicle crash testing. Other nations, such as Australia and Sweden, have already implemented similar female-specific crash test dummies, highlighting a global trend towards improved road safety for all genders.

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