U.S. unveils new female crash test dummy, says it could be used for federal safety testing

The U.S. Department of Transportation has taken a significant step towards improving safety for women in car crashes by introducing a new female crash dummy. This move comes as women have been shown to face a higher risk of injury in car accidents compared to men. For decades, the U.S. government has relied on a crash test dummy model that is primarily based on male proportions, neglecting the unique anatomical differences that women have.

The new crash dummy, named THOR-05F, is designed to be more representative of the female body, with female-specific proportions. This new model, which can be viewed in comparison to the previous dummy here, has the potential to replace the current Hybrid III dummy that has been used for crash testing. The Department of Transportation highlighted that advancements in technology now allow for a more accurate account of the biological differences between male and female anatomy in crash testing.

Statistics show that women are 73% more likely to sustain injuries in a head-on crash and 17% more likely to be killed in a car accident compared to men. In response to these alarming figures, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the new female crash dummy could be integrated into the government’s vehicle crash test five-star ratings once a final rule is adopted. Manufacturers will have access to THOR-05F to build models, and the automotive industry can begin testing the new dummy in their vehicles.

The road to developing THOR-05F has been a long one. The standard crash test dummy used in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests was created in 1978 and modeled after a 5-foot-9, 171-pound man. The new female dummy is smaller and includes features such as a rubber jacket to simulate breasts. Despite these advancements, some American automakers have expressed skepticism, while a group representing auto insurers believes that the current crash test dummies are sufficient.

Advocates for the new female crash dummy, like Maria Weston Kuhn, have been pushing for legislative changes to incorporate the new model into testing protocols. Kuhn’s personal experience in a car crash in 2019 motivated her to lobby Congress for improved safety measures. While there is optimism surrounding the introduction of THOR-05F, there is still work to be done to ensure its widespread adoption and implementation in crash testing.

Lawmakers from both parties have shown support for new crash test rules and safety requirements, emphasizing the importance of addressing the higher risk of injury and death that women face in car crashes. U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Tammy Duckworth have welcomed the introduction of the female crash test dummy, with Fischer even introducing legislation to mandate the use of advanced testing devices, including a female crash dummy.

Overall, the introduction of the THOR-05F female crash dummy marks a significant advancement in promoting safety for women in car crashes. While there may be challenges and differing opinions within the automotive industry, the ultimate goal is to save lives and make America’s roads safer for all drivers.