U.S. Approves Advanced Female Crash Test Dummy to Improve Vehicle Safety

U.S. Department of Transportation Endorses Lifelike Female Crash Test Dummy

The U.S. Department of Transportation has endorsed a redesigned female crash test dummy, marking a potential shift in vehicle safety testing long dominated by male models. The new dummy reflects anatomical differences between men and women and could lead to more accurate safety ratings for cars. Advocates say the change may save lives, though some automakers and insurers remain cautious.

Why Change Is Needed

Current crash test standards rely heavily on a male model developed in 1978, measuring 5-foot-9 (175 cm) and 171 pounds (78 kg). Women, who constitute the majority of licensed drivers in the U.S., are more vulnerable in crashes: they are 73% more likely to be injured in a head-on collision and 17% more likely to die, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Female dummies in use today are smaller and fitted with a rubber jacket to simulate breasts. They are mainly tested in passenger or rear seats rather than the driver’s seat, limiting the accuracy of safety assessments for female drivers.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that the new model will be considered for the government’s five-star vehicle safety ratings once a final rule is adopted.

Features of the New Dummy

The redesigned female dummy incorporates over 150 sensors and more accurately represents key anatomical differences, including the neck, collarbone, pelvis, and leg structure. This improved design aims to better capture the impact of crashes on female bodies, potentially influencing car design, airbag deployment, and seat belt effectiveness.

Maria Weston Kuhn, a New York University law student and crash survivor, has campaigned for such changes since a 2019 accident in Ireland caused severe internal injuries due to her seat belt sliding off her hips. She welcomed the department’s announcement but cautioned that adoption into NHTSA testing is not yet complete.

“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.”

Industry Reaction

Some automakers have expressed skepticism, arguing that the new dummy could overstate injury risks and affect the perceived effectiveness of existing safety features such as airbags and seat belts.

Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research organization funded by auto insurers, continues to support the current line of female dummies. Spokesperson Joe Young stated that while they will monitor the new model, their researchers remain confident that existing dummies provide reliable safety data.

“Certainly we are going to continue to monitor the new tools and perhaps do some additional research,” Young said. “But for now, our researchers are content and confident that the dummies we’re using are doing a good job.”

Political Support

The push for more accurate female crash test dummies has received bipartisan support. U.S. Senators Deb Fischer, a Republican from Nebraska, and Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois, praised the federal endorsement.

“Any progress here is good because there’s simply no good reason why women are more likely to be injured or die in car crashes,” Duckworth said.

Fischer introduced the She Drives Act, which would mandate the use of the most advanced testing devices, including female crash test dummies. Duckworth co-sponsors the legislation.

“It’s far past time to make these testing standards permanent, which will help save thousands of lives and make America’s roads safer for all drivers,” Fischer said.

Next Steps

The Department of Transportation confirmed that the new specifications for the female crash test dummy will soon be available for manufacturers. Automotive companies can begin incorporating the model into vehicle testing, potentially influencing future car designs and federal safety ratings.

While the announcement is a milestone, experts caution that full implementation may take years. The move reflects ongoing efforts to address long-standing gaps in automotive safety for women and could reshape federal testing standards in the coming decade.