U.S. Announces New Standards for Female Crash‑Test Dummies

Modernizing Safety Testing to Reflect Women’s Physiology

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) unveiled a plan to replace the decades‑old crash‑test dummy, which was primarily modeled on male body dimensions, with a state‑of‑the‑art female counterpart. This shift aims to close a long‑standing safety gap that disproportionately affects women on the road.

Studies have consistently shown that women experience higher rates of fatal injuries and severe trauma in vehicle collisions compared to men. By incorporating a dummy that mirrors female anatomy—including differences in bone density, body fat distribution, and muscle mass—researchers expect to generate more accurate data on how safety devices perform for half the population.

“Women are not just smaller versions of men; they have distinct biomechanical characteristics that must be accounted for in crash testing,” said a senior NHTSA spokesperson. The new dummy will undergo rigorous evaluation in frontal, side, and rear‑impact scenarios to ensure that airbags, seat belts, and structural designs provide optimal protection for female occupants.

Automakers will be required to integrate the female dummy into their safety assessment protocols beginning in 2026. The agency also announced funding for additional research into gender‑specific injury mechanisms, signaling a broader commitment to inclusive vehicle safety standards.

Consumer advocates have praised the initiative, noting that it could lead to lower injury rates and reduced medical costs for women. “This is a critical step toward equitable safety for all drivers and passengers,” one advocate remarked.