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New Female Crash Test Dummy Ends Decades of Safety Gaps
22 Nov
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.
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.
