U.S. releases a new female crash test dummy that more closely resembles women

"The U.S. government on Thursday released a new crash test dummy design that advocates believe will help make cars safer for women. The Department of Transportation will consider using the dummy in the government's vehicle crash test five star-ratings once a final rule is adopted, the agency said in a news release. Women are 73% more likely to be injured in a head-on crash, and they are 17% more likely to be killed in a car crash, than men."

"The standard crash test dummy used in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration five-star vehicle testing was developed in 1978 and was modeled after a 5-foot-9 (175-centimeter), 171-pound (78-kilogram) man. The female dummy is smaller and has a rubber jacket to represent breasts. It's routinely tested in the passenger or back seat but seldom in the driver's seat, even though the majority of licensed drivers are women."

"The new female dummy endorsed by the department more accurately reflects differences between men and women, including the shape of the neck, collarbone, pelvis, and legs. It's outfitted with more than 150 sensors, the department said. Some American automakers have been skeptical, arguing the new model may exaggerate injury risks and undercut the value of some safety features such as seat belts and airbags."

The Department of Transportation released a new female crash test dummy design and will consider using it in five-star vehicle crash testing once a final rule is adopted. Women are at higher risk in crashes, being 73% more likely to be injured in head-on collisions and 17% more likely to be killed than men. The longstanding standard dummy was developed in 1978 and modeled on a 5-foot-9, 171-pound man; the existing female surrogate is smaller and seldom tested in the driver's seat. The new dummy reflects differences in neck, collarbone, pelvis and legs and includes more than 150 sensors. Some automakers express skepticism while lawmakers from both parties support updated testing and proposed legislation such as the She Drives Act.

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