In a landmark move, the U.S. Department of Transportation has endorsed a major redesign of the crash test dummy used to represent women, aiming to replace a decades-old model that is essentially a scaled-down version of a male body. This comes amid data showing women are 73% more likely to be injured and 17% more likely to be killed in car crashes than men.
The current “female” dummy, introduced in the 1970s, is based on the smallest 5% of women from 1970s data and is rarely tested in the driver’s seat, despite women making up the majority of licensed drivers. The new model endorsed by the department features a more accurate representation of female anatomy—including the neck, collarbone, and pelvis—and is outfitted with over 150 sensors to gather better data.
“It’s far past time to make these testing standards permanent, which will help save thousands of lives,” said Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), who introduced legislation to require the use of the most advanced testing devices.
A Long Road to Implementation
However, the endorsement does not guarantee change. The department will only consider using the new dummy in its official 5-star safety ratings after a final rule is adopted—a process that has faced delays and significant opposition.
Some automakers and the insurance industry are pushing back. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an influential group funded by auto insurers, stated it is “content and confident” with the current dummies, arguing they have contributed to “dramatic improvements in safety.”
This skepticism is why advocates like Maria Weston Kuhn, a law student who survived a severe crash where her seat belt failed, are cautious. “I fear that with this announcement everybody will throw up their hands and say we’ve won,” Kuhn said. “But we are far from crossing the finish line.”
For now, the government’s announcement opens the door for manufacturers to build and test the new models, beginning a critical new phase in the long fight to make vehicle safety testing equitable.
By James Kisoo
