On the Dash:
- The DOT endorsed a new female crash test dummy with 150+ sensors to reflect women’s bodies better.
- Women face higher injury and fatality risks in crashes, which current dummies do not fully capture.
- Automakers and insurance groups remain cautious, but specifications will soon be available for testing in vehicles.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced plans to adopt a redesigned female crash test dummy that more accurately reflects women’s bodies in vehicle safety testing. The new model, equipped with more than 150 sensors, could eventually replace the decades-old standard, which is based on a 5-foot-9, 171-pound male. Officials said the dummy could be used in the government’s five-star crash rating system once a final rule is adopted.
Women face significantly higher risks in car crashes, being 73% more likely to be injured in a head-on collision and 17% more likely to die than men. The traditional female dummy, smaller and outfitted with a rubber breast jacket, is primarily tested in passenger or rear seats and rarely in the driver’s seat, despite women now representing the majority of licensed drivers.
The new dummy accounts for physiological differences in neck, collarbone, pelvis, and leg shape, aiming to improve the accuracy of safety testing. Lawmakers and advocates have lobbied for the update after incidents where existing dummies failed to replicate real-world female injuries.
Automakers and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have expressed caution, suggesting the new dummy could exaggerate injury risks and affect the perceived effectiveness of existing safety systems such as airbags and seat belts. Industry groups continue to evaluate the model while supporting ongoing research.
The department said the updated specifications will soon be available for manufacturers, allowing automakers to begin integrating the model into vehicle safety testing programs. This marks a significant step in addressing longstanding gender disparities in automotive safety.
