Finally, female crash-test dummies

Women continue to face significantly greater dangers in vehicle collisions, and new federal discussions around updated crash-test dummies highlight just how urgent the problem is. Current national data shows that women are 73% more likely to suffer injuries in head-on crashes and 17% more likely to be killed in motor-vehicle collisions compared to men. Despite these alarming numbers, the safety tools used to evaluate vehicles have not kept pace with what real-world crashes reveal.

For decades, federal vehicle-rating programs have relied on a model originally built around the proportions of an average man. The smaller “female” version is little more than a scaled-down copy, routinely placed in the passenger seat and rarely used to measure driver-side risks—even though women make up the majority of licensed drivers. This gap has left a major blind spot in testing and, ultimately, in safety design.

Transportation officials are now considering adopting a far more advanced female-specific crash-test dummy built to reflect anatomical differences that affect injury rates, including variations in the pelvis, neck, and torso. The new model includes more than 150 sensors to capture injury risks with greater accuracy. Although the proposal has gained public attention and support from some lawmakers, it still faces resistance from certain automakers and industry groups.

Behind the policy debate is a stark reality: the current system has failed to account for the disproportionate harm women experience in crashes. Survivors and advocates continue to push for change, emphasizing that every delay means more preventable injuries on American roads.

These statistics aren’t just numbers—they translate to real people whose lives are altered because safety systems weren’t designed with them in mind.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.

Disparities in vehicle-safety protections can leave victims facing greater harm and greater uncertainty. A dedicated personal-injury attorney can help you understand your rights, investigate what contributed to your injuries, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact our firm today for a free consultation. Your recovery starts with knowing you have an advocate in your corner.