Transportation Department unveils new female crash test dummy to improve safety

(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Transportation Department has introduced a new female crash test dummy — a major step toward addressing long-standing safety gaps in vehicle testing. Officials say the dummy’s design is modeled specifically on women’s body shapes and biomechanical responses, allowing automakers to better assess how seatbelts, airbags, and other safety systems protect female drivers and passengers.

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators had pushed for the update, arguing that improved testing models are essential for reducing injury risks for women on the road. Research has long shown disparities: A 2019 University of Virginia study found that women wearing seatbelts were still significantly more likely to suffer severe injuries in crashes compared to seat belted men.

The Transportation Department says the new dummy will help advance safety standards and close those gaps moving forward.