Polkadot News Today: "U.S. Requires Female Crash-Test Dummies to Tackle Longstanding Gender Inequality in Safety Engineering"
- U.S. DOT mandates female crash-test dummies in federal safety testing by 2027-2028 to address gender bias in vehicle design. - THOR-05F, representing average adult women, replaces outdated 1970s models that left women 73% more likely to suffer serious injuries in crashes. - NHTSA emphasizes scientific validation for the 150-sensor dummy, while automakers and IIHS express skepticism about current safety standards. - Advocacy groups praise the move as critical for closing safety gaps, but activists warn de
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has introduced a significant update to vehicle safety protocols, requiring the inclusion of female crash-test dummies in federal assessments for the first time. This decision, widely regarded as a necessary step to correct longstanding gender disparities in automotive safety, seeks to reduce the higher rates of injury and death that women experience in car accidents. The newly developed THOR-05F dummy, designed to mirror the physical characteristics of an average adult woman, is expected to become part of federal safety standards by 2027 or 2028,
Traditionally, crash-test dummies used in U.S. safety tests have been modeled after male bodies, with the standard female version representing only the smallest 5% of women—standing 4'11" and weighing 108 pounds. This model, dating back to the 1970s, has led to vehicles being designed primarily for male occupants, increasing risks for women.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighted the necessity of thorough validation before rolling out the new dummy. Administrator Jonathan Morrison emphasized that the agency is committed to scientific rigor, ensuring the THOR-05F does not simply repeat male-focused testing. Automakers are already able to purchase the dummy for their own testing purposes,
The National Safety Council (NSC) applauded the policy as a major step toward equal safety for women. CEO Lorraine Martin pointed out that, even though women are involved in fewer crashes, they experience higher rates of death and injury—a gap the new dummy is intended to close. The NSC has long advocated for measures like the She DRIVES Act, which requires advanced crash-test technology, including female dummies.
Despite this, opinions within the auto industry are mixed. Some carmakers and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have voiced doubts, noting that current dummies have already led to notable safety gains. IIHS spokesperson Joe Young said the organization will keep an eye on the THOR-05F but remains confident in the effectiveness of existing models. Detractors also caution that the new dummy might exaggerate perceived injury risks, possibly shaking public trust in seat belts and airbags.
Advocates such as law student Maria Weston Kuhn—a crash survivor who suffered severe internal injuries from a seat belt—warn against complacency. While she welcomed the DOT’s decision, Kuhn urged NHTSA to finalize the rules for adoption, noting that delays have been ongoing for years.
This change is part of a broader push to update safety regulations. NHTSA’s 2024 mandate for automatic emergency braking by 2029 and the DOT’s emphasis on pedestrian protection highlight a shift toward more inclusive safety design. As automakers gear up for the 2027 deadline, the THOR-05F may influence the industry to prioritize safety for all vehicle occupants.
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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